- Ultra-light carbon fiber wheels for automotive aftermarket
- Next Generation Autoclave Process (NGAP)
- RTM resin features very good processing characteristics
The ESE Carbon Company and DSM worked together to develop the lightest production carbon fiber wheel currently available in the market. Using a proprietary manufacturing process and DSM’s Daron 200 RTM Resin, ESE Carbon Company manufactures these wheels in high volume.
The drawbacks of steel and aluminum alloys
Steel and aluminum alloys have long been the predominant materials used for the manufacture of car wheels. However, these materials have significant limitations compared to composites: they are prone to corrosion, are heavier, and cannot be further optimized to reduce weight without sacrificing safety.
Lightest production carbon fiber wheels currently available in the market (source: ESE Carbon Company)
Ultra-light weight carbon fiber wheel weighs only 5.2 kg
The ESE Carbon Company produces ultra-light weight carbon fiber wheels for the automotive aftermarket, which weigh in at less than 5.2 kg (11.5 lbs) and are rated for a maximum axle load of 1,746 kg (3,850 lbs). With an unmatched strength and stiffness to weight ratio, these carbon fiber composite wheels are structurally optimized for the required loading while minimizing weight. Reducing the weight of vehicle wheels yields better handling, a quieter and smoother ride, faster acceleration, quicker deceleration, and improved fuel efficiency.
High speed autoclave cure with NGAP
ESE Carbon’s E1 wheels are produced using ESE Industries’ Next Generation Autoclave Process (NGAP), which combines high speed autoclave cure with the low viscosity of DSM’s Daron 200 RTM resin to achieve very low de-molding times. The NGAP technology leverages the advantages of autoclave manufacturing with a mass production approach to deliver high quality carbon fiber composites at a price point that is not currently possible with any other production method.
RTM resin features very good processing characteristics
DSM’s Daron 200 RTM resin has been chosen as the matrix material because of its very good processing characteristics (low viscosity, easy carbon fiber impregnation, high production speed) and high mechanical properties at the elevated temperatures typical for this application. The resins can be easily adjusted for complex-shaped part designs and a specific process set up.
