The K Messe 2019 is scheduled from October 16-23, 2019, Düsseldorf, Germany
Chomarat Group’s composite reinforcements will be featured at the KraussMaffei stand during the next K Messe in Düsseldorf. Chomarat has created a glass reinforcement adapted to the mass production of automotive parts, helping to lighten leaf springs by 60 % compared to metal.
AUTOMOTIVE: Producing 60 % lighter Leaf Springs for car’s underbody
The new leaf springs made of composites are 60 % lighter than their pendants made of steel thanks to KraussMaffei process and the involvement of a network of partners, including Chomarat with G-PLY™ glass reinforcement. Their strength can be deliberately increased in sections where it is required and the corrosion resistance offers further added value.
“We created the fabrics, when Engenuity developed the component, Huntsman supplied the matrix system made of epoxy resin, Johns Manville supplied the glass fibres, Schmidt & Heinzmann manufactured the preforms, Alpex designed the RTM mold and Hufschmied (Bobingen, Germany) took charge of post-mold processing of the component by milling. KraussMaffei has taken over the project management for Hengrui and coordinates the project with the partners.” Francisco De Oliveira at Chomarat explains.
The stitched UD glass developed for the project is adapted to the HP-RTM process (high pressure resin transfer moulding) used to produce the leaf spring with high weight content of glass fibre. This design of the fabric offers an improved permeability that allows the resin flow through the multiple plies of the preforms.
“This new reinforcement includes a binder to allow preform stability and automatization onto the cutting and stacking processes. Chomarat strengthens its developments for the automotive industry by offering a new generation of reinforcements, usable in short cycle time process.” Francisco De Oliveira pursues.
Established in 1898, CHOMARAT is an international industrial textile group, involved in three businesses: Composites Reinforcements, Construction Reinforcements, Coatings & Films–Textiles. The privately held company operates in France, Tunisia, the United States and China to service its global customers. CHOMARAT leads a strong innovation strategy, rising to challenges, developing materials for the future. Hence, the Group invests in new technologies and enters into collaborative research programs with universities and technical centres worldwide.
CHOMARAT offers strong technical knowhow and mastery of complex technologies in fields ranging from automotive, aerospace, sports, energy, marine, construction, and, also in markets requiring creativity and expertise, like luxury goods.
Don’t miss the live demos at K 2019 Hall 15, Booth C24-27