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Gurit to deliver future of composite solutions at JEC

12 Mar '13

6 min read

12 March 2013, Gurit a leading global manufacturer and supplier of composite materials, engineering, tooling, parts and systems is showcasing its latest product and technology innovations, all geared to deliver the future of composite solutions, on stand K44 at JEC Europe 2013, from Tuesday 12th to Thursday 14th March 2013. Gurit offers a comprehensive range of composite materials for established markets, as well as many new and emerging applications, and is increasingly focused on the development of complete composite systems and automotive parts. The exhibition, to be held in Pavilion 1, Porte de Versailles, Paris, is the biggest composite exhibition in the world.

Gurit's latest product and technology innovations include:

Ampreg 31FR – New Fire Retardant Epoxy Wet Laminating System
Ampreg 31FR has been specially formulated to meet BS476 Part 7 Class 1 FR rating, and does not require a secondary fire retardant coating. With an impressive six hour working time, Ampreg 31FR can be used on its own for laminating small to medium sized structures or in conjunction with Ampreg 21FR for larger structures. Ampreg 31FR has been designed to give excellent mechanical and thermal properties from both ambient temperature cures, and moderate temperature post-cures (50°C / 120°F). This wet laminating system is available with a standard and slow hardener speed.

Ampreg 31FR's main benefits include:
•Meets BS476 part 7 class 1
•Low initial mixed viscosity for fabric wet-out
•Low exotherm
•Up to 200 minutes working time at 25°C / 77°F
•Ideal for laminating small to medium composite structures using lightweight fabrics
•Can be used in conjunction with Ampreg 21FR to achieve longer working times

Long Shelf-Life Resin Technology which no longer requires chilled storage
The need to transport and store prepregs in cooling containers and chilled storage rooms has in some cases been a barrier to the adoption of prepreg technology, with cost a considerable factor. Gurit's latest break-through in prepreg resin technology extends the shelf-life of unchilled prepregs to over two months at temperatures of up to 35°C / 95°F.

Main benefits include:
•Over 2 month's out-life at 35°C / 95°F
•Over 8 month's out-life at 20°C / 68°F
•Ideal to reduce transportation, storage and ambient temperature control costs
•Now available with SE 84LV and Sparpreg

ILATECH Tooling Coat
ILATECH, a new surface coating for Gurit moulds, developed in conjunction with ILAG Industrielack AG, not only creates a perfectly smooth, strong and durable surface, but also enhances the life span of the mould, speeds up cycle times and reduces process costs for Gurit's customers. The improved surface quality greatly reduces the required release force when the finished parts are de-moulded. Its superb chemical resistance makes it more durable. Easier, quicker de-moulding translates directly into a safer process: the risk of damaging the finished parts is greatly reduced thanks to the new coating.

Benefits include:
•Protection coating with thickness of 20 to 40 microns
•High chemical resistance
•Much smaller peel force for de-moulding parts
•Retention of required surface roughness and gloss

Balsaflex UVOTEC – Low resin uptake technology
Gurit has developed the next-generation of Balsa core materials for the manufacture of ever lighter and lower-cost sandwich panels. A unique chemistry modifies Gurit's Balsaflex surface topography in such a way that it significantly reduces the quantity of resin absorbed during the infusion process, without negatively compromising the skin adhesive properties.

The lower resin uptake of UVOTEC allows users of Balsaflex to reduce the net weight of infused structures without having to change the infusion processing methods they are familiar with. In addition, the lower resin uptake is also a considerable saving in terms of material cost for Gurit customers.
•Up to 1.3kg reduction in resin uptake / sqm
•Potential to engineer weight / cost reduction out of sandwich laminate
•Suitable for all balsa composite processes