On its trade show booth, Krauss-Maffei will be showcasing composites moulding processes.

 

The list covers LFI (long fibre injection moulding), fibre composite spraying (FCS), reinforced reaction injection moulding (RRIM), structural reaction injection moulding (SRIM), structural component spraying (SCS) and resin transfer moulding (RTM).

 

A major focus will be on making large parts made of fibre-reinforced PUR, with a high-gloss surface finish produced in the mould.

 

Krauss-Maffei offers two alternative processes for the substrate: LFI and FCS.

 

In the LFI process, the long glass reinforcing fibres are chopped from an endless roving and wetted in the mixing head with the PUR mix.

 

Fillers in the PUR prevent the glass fibres spoiling the quality of the surface finish.

 

The part is then pressed and compression moulded into shape, ensuring that no air bubbles form in the material.

 

In fibre composite spraying (FCS) the glass fibres and the PUR mix come into contact only after the PUR has been discharged from the mixing head.

 

As in LFI, the glass fibres are chopped from an endless roving, but they are wetted with the PUR mix in the spray cone.

 

The PUR/fibre mix is sprayed in thin layers.

 

The first layer is a barrier layer consisting of PUR without glass fibres.

 

This barrier layer produces an optically flawless surface, ready for in-mould or post-mould painting.

 

Subsequent layers, containing reinforcing fibres, are applied in thin layers until the specified wall thickness is reached.

 

Different layers - compact, foamed or reinforced - can be combined to comply with product specifications.

 

Krauss-Maffei is a single-contact partner supplying machinery and services for all stages of the fibre-composite process chain.