Press release Fully automatic injection molding of ... · Fully automatic injection molding of thermoplastic composites ... composite sheet—can have ribbing molded onto it in

Press release

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KraussMaffei Technologies GmbH

Corporate Communication

Krauss-Maffei-Strasse 2

80997 Munich, Germany

Phone +49 89 8899 4712

[email protected]

www.kraussmaffei.com

Fully automatic injection molding of thermoplastic composites

High-quality production solutions from KraussMaffei for

continuous-fiber-reinforced lightweight components with a

thermoplastic matrix

(Munich, September 20, 2012) At the first ITHEC International

Conference and Exhibition on Thermoplastic Composites in Bremen,

Germany, KraussMaffei is presenting its cross-process expertise in

machine and process engineering with a focus on thermoplastics.

From component development, pre-batch production, and component

testing all the way to series production and post-mold processing, the

customers benefit from receiving support from a single source.

Thermoplastic fiber composites fundamentally change cars

Step by step, fiber-reinforced components are being integrated into

production vehicles today to build up knowledge about composites

systematically. Thermoplastics perform well here thanks to their short cycle

times, weldability, and potential functional integrations, in which a

component can take on multiple additional functions. Not only are

thermoplastics getting better all the time as matrix materials, new production

methods and even design principles are also opening up. "The

transformation happening in the automotive industry as well as in aircraft

construction and other industries could not be more thrilling," states Martin

Würtele, Manager of Technology Development at KraussMaffei. "The

transition from steel and aluminum sheets to fiber-reinforced thermoplastics

is far more than a change in materials. The designers have to search for

opportunities to achieve functional improvements using high-performance

composites and designs appropriate to the materials." For example, a load-

carrying thermoplastic carbon-fiber-reinforced part—manufactured from a

composite sheet—can have ribbing molded onto it in the injection molding

process, along with other integration and function elements. KraussMaffei is

offering an overview of fiber-reinforced high-performance composites at the

ITHEC 2012 on October 29-30, 2012 in Bremen.

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Phone +49 89 8899 4712

[email protected]


Applications influence the selection of material

Even today, upon hearing the term "composites" many people still think of

the classic carbon-fiber-reinforced components with carbon fibers in an

epoxy resin matrix. For KraussMaffei, however, this field is far broader.

"Among reactive materials we also see polyurethane and cast polyamides as

alternative matrix materials; among thermoplastic materials, polyamide and

polypropylene have proven themselves," explains Erich Fries, Manager of

the Composites/Surfaces Business Unit. In this area, KraussMaffei has

combined its expertise over all lightweight construction technologies across

the entire process chain and material systems. "In this dynamic environment

of development there is still no clear trend to be identified, but it is certain

that the developments still have not been completed." Depending on the

requirement for mechanical strength or the component cost, all more or less

common fiber types come into question as reinforcement material.

Sustained path of success for resin transfer molding method

The HP-RTM (high pressure RTM) method has already proven itself in many

areas of application for manufacturing composites with carbon fibers for pre-

batch production and is now finding its way into large series. "With our

expertise and high-quality machine technology, we are setting new

standards in the automotive market," says Fries. "Our systems are now in

use by numerous major producers in the automotive and commercial vehicle

industries, and we are brought into new developments very early on, since

we can contribute to solutions at every step of the process chain." The HP-

RTM (high pressure RTM) method keeps gaining importance for series

production in high-technology industries. Development of the method,

however, is still long from being completed. The very complex requirements

springing from required numbers of pieces, automated processes, affordable

material costs, and the greatest possible weight savings for a component

lead to many variants. As of recently, the different methods for resin transfer

molding (RTM) known as compression RTM and wet molding are available,

each exhibiting its own specific advantages. With wet molding, for example,

carbon fibers can also be recycled as piece goods, the scrap from the

preform manufacturing. Reliable partnerships form the basis for efficient

implementation of these developments. As part of its cooperation with

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Phone +49 89 8899 4712

[email protected]


Dieffenbacher GmbH, KraussMaffei supplies complete systems that cover

the entire production process, from processing the carbon fibers to the post-

mold-processed part that is ready to install.

Photo: PM_IMM_2012-010_FiberForm.jpg - The compact FiberForm manufacturing cell for extrusion-coating and back-injection of composite sheets works with just one linear robot and provides ready-to-install structural components

Photo: PM_IMM_2012-022_FiberForm-Teil.jpg - FiberForm technology carrier material made of composite sheets, back-injected with fiber-reinforced polyamide

Photo: PM_RPM_2012-006_Fräskopf mit integrierter Absaugung.jpg - The suction integrated into the KraussMaffei milling head reliably prevents contamination of the component and milling cell during series processing of composites

Press release






Phone +49 89 8899 4712

[email protected]


Enclosure: Pictures and more information can be found at


Press contact:

Markus Betsche

Press Officer KraussMaffei brand

Injection Molding Machinery and Reaction Process Machinery

Phone: +49 (0) 89 8899 4712

Email: [email protected]

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About KraussMaffei

The KraussMaffei product brand is internationally recognized for its groundbreaking, multitechnology system and process solutions for injection and reaction molding technology and factory automation. With its standalone, modular or standardized machinery and systems, and a wide, customizable service offering, KraussMaffei is a full-system partner for customers in many industry sectors. KraussMaffei bundles many decades of engineering expertise in plastics machinery and is headquartered in Munich, Germany. For more information: www.kraussmaffei.com

About KraussMaffei Group

The KraussMaffei Group is among the world’s leading suppliers of machinery and systems for producing and processing plastics and rubber. Its products and services cover the whole spectrum of injection and reaction molding and extrusion technology, giving the company a unique position in the industry. The KraussMaffei Group is innovation-powered, supplying its products, processes and services as standard or custom solutions which deliver sustained added value along the customer’s value-adding chain. The company markets it’s offering under the KraussMaffei, KraussMaffei Berstorff and Netstal brands to customers in the automotive, packaging, medical, construction, electrical, electronics and home appliance industries. Continuing a long tradition of engineering excellence, the international KraussMaffei Group currently employs around 4,000 people. With a global network of more than 30 subsidiaries and more than 10 production plants, supported by around 570 sales and service partners, the company is close to customers around the world. KraussMaffei has been headquartered in Munich since 1838. For more information: www.kraussmaffeigroup.com

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Press release Fully automatic injection molding of ... · Fully automatic injection molding of thermoplastic composites ... composite sheet—can have ribbing molded onto it in