- CFRP roof module made in Korea
- Automotive supplier LG Hausys employs HP-RTM technology from KraussMaffei
- Ready for series production: Short cycle times and maximum flexibility
LG Hausys Ltd., with its headquarters in Seoul in Korea, is among the up-and-coming automotive suppliers in the southeastern region of Asia. By investing in an HP-RTM (high-pressure resin transfer molding) system from KraussMaffei, the company is producing advanced visible components made of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastics (CFRP).
Ready for series production: Short cycle times and maximum flexibility
Short cycle times, high reproducibility and the best possible component quality were the central requirements of LG for selecting the right technology. Since the middle of 2015 the HP-RTM metering machine has been operating at LG Hausys on a Dieffenbacher press to produce structural components for the visible part of automobiles, including a CFRP roof panel.
Metering system suitable for processing both polyurethane and epoxy
At the heart of the HP-RTM system is the RimStar Compact 8/4/8 metering system from KraussMaffei. Its main features are its accurate temperature control concept and its precise metering of release agent. It is suitable for processing both polyurethane and epoxy as a matrix material. Two mixing heads of the type MK 10-2K-RTM are used which provide high durability and exact material discharge, even when there are pressure changes in the mold.
Using HP-RTM and C-RTM processes on one system
In addition, the HP-RTM system delivered to LG Hausys is suitable not only for classic HP-RTM processes, but also for the C-RTM process developed by KraussMaffei. (Compression Resin Transfer Molding). This process is essentially different by having the matrix material fed into the mold when it is slightly open instead of closed. Thus the mold is not completely closed during the feeding. Consequently, the preform is already partially saturated by resin. The feeding is followed by a compression stroke, which presses the resin through the preform, causing it to become completely saturated. As a result, the cavity pressure and the required clamping force drop by about 30 percent. In addition, it is possible to produce with a higher discharge capacity, which in turn reduces the cycle time.
Growth market Korea
“Interest in solutions for processing fiber-reinforced plastics that are ready for series production is rapidly increasing also in southeastern Asia. Particularly in Korea we are seeing great interest in HP-RTM systems,” says Erich Fries, Manager of the Composites and Surfaces Business Unit at KraussMaffei.”
KraussMaffei has sold more than 70 HP-RTM systems on the market worldwide.
