Truly light as a feather:
start of the first HP-RTM series production for GFRP leaf springs worldwide
Apart from new drive concepts, reduced vehicle weight is a significant element to ensure more efficiency also in future automotive manufacture. In this respect, the topic of lightweight construction has again placed the focus on almost all vehicle parts. Various components offer particularly good conditions for the ideal implementation of the required weight savings. A perfect example for this are leaf springs, which have always been used in commercial vehicles and pickup trucks with comparatively high axle load.
Replacing conventional steel with glass fibre reinforced plastic results in really convincing weight savings. In the case of leaf springs for commercial vehicles, up to 60 percent weight can be saved compared to the usual variant made of steel. As there are up to two such components in a vehicle, the optimizing potential is significant. A leaf spring made of glass fibre reinforced plastic even outshines its steel equivalent with regard to performance and resistance to weathering. Signs of corrosion are no longer relevant and the use of glass fibre prepregs in the component core additionally allows a targeted control of the range of properties.
The high-tech leaf springs are manufactured by means of the High Pressure RTM process (HP-RTM), with which Hennecke has replaced the established polyurethane processing technology with a new approach. The focus of the HP-RTM method is on a task that is well-known as well as tried and tested in PU processing: the high-pressure injection of a reactive mix into a mould within seconds.
In combination with the appropriate raw material system, the HP-RTM process provides for accelerated reaction and extremely short curing times. In addition, Hennecke GmbH's decades of experience of high-pressure metering takes effect. For example, with a customized mixhead series for HP-RTM applications, which delivers high-quality and reproducible results at all times. Thanks to the use of the patented Hennecke constant pressu reinjector, a permanent homogeneous injection pressure is ensured additionally. The particularly intelligent filling process in the closed control circuit and all other tasks of this new production variant are enabled by Hennecke's STREAMLINE machine series.
With the first RTM production of the GFRP leaf springs worldwide in multiple cavities and cycle times in the minute range, BENTELER SGL, a joint venture of Benteler Automobiltechnik GmbH based in Paderborn and the SGL Group headquartered in Wiesbaden, has now proved the suitability of the HP-RTM technology for mass production. The technological further development of the standard RTM process has proved itself and will continue to establish itself with the practically tested STREAMLINE metering machines.
Customized machine system with especially designed mixheads: the STREAMLINE
"With the HP-RTM process and the suitable machine technology of the type STREAMLINE, we have created a new tool for the RTM sector, in order to significantly optimize production processes with regard to cycle time," says Tobias Jansen, Sales Manager for new technologies at Hennecke GmbH. Customers and raw material partners have the opportunity to find out more about these advantages at Hennecke's headquarters in Sankt Augustin. The Hennecke TECHCENTER not only offers the suitable equipment for trials, developments and test samples by customers and raw material partners, but also the expertise of experienced process engineers.
STREAMLINE metering machines
