ZF Friedrichshafen AG has equipped its new development center in Schweinfurt with technology from Dieffenbacher in order to conduct basic research and to produce complex, prototype-ready parts in low quantities. Key component is a Dieffenbacher 1000 ton upstroke press from the DCL series, which is designed for batch production of vehicle components made from long and continuous fiber-reinforced plastics.
The installation provides optimal conditions for implementing pressing methods such as HP-RTM, SMC, LFT-D and organic sheet metal forming. Preforms made from fabric carbon fibers are inserted into the press using the special Dieffenbacher gripper technology. The same process is used to place “organic sheet” materials into a Dieffenbacher infrared oven for rapid and homogeneous heating. The focus here is on wheel carriers and transverse leaf springs in car chassis, and on four-point links in trucks.
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