Fiber-reinforced composite innovations from Dieffenbacher

As part of a complete production line in the high pressure RTM process, the PreformCenter can be configured for use in both large and small-scale series production. In addition to preform production, the HP-RTM line also includes the compression process and the related steps for reworking the finished lightweight components. Dieffenbacher delivers the HP-RTM line such that it is ready for immediate use.

The complex development of the HP-RTM line is now paying off for Dieffenbacher. After a testing phase lasting several months, the first PreformCenter was commissioned by a major German automobile manufacturer in the spring of 2012. Further commissions from the automotive industry were received shortly afterward.

D-SMC Line: Just-In-Time Manufacturing of Semi-Finished Parts

The advanced D-SMC direct process opens up new potential applications for thermosetting plastic composites as part of lightweight construction in the automotive industry.

Mat-like semi-finished parts are traditionally transformed into molded parts by means of a flow process. However, the process for maturing and storing semi-finished parts, as well as the related logistics, is both time-consuming and cost intensive. Dieffenbacher has developed a fully automated production line for fiber-reinforced thermosetting plastics that helps avoid these costs.

As part of the direct process for SMC, the semi-finished SMC part is manufactured immediately before being sent on for further processing.

A particular composition of resin, filler and glass fibers is added to a compounder and molded into a flat material that can then be processed in the same way as a conventional semi-finished SMC part. An integrated SMC sheet cutter creates stacks of sheets, which are automatically fed to the press.

The high level of automation and continuous control of the production line from the SMC compound to the finished component mean that the process is fully reproducible and can be monitored at all times, making it possible to manufacture products of a consistently high quality. In addition, the continuous manufacturing process cuts the processing time from raw material to end product down to just a matter of minutes, offering a huge advantage both in terms of time and expense.

Compress Eco: The Economical Press Series

The COMPRESS ECO is Dieffenbacher's cost-effective forming press for small and large components.

The standardized Compress Eco press series is a response to the high levels of cost pressure the industry is witnessing, offering an attractive price-performance ratio.

The series is supplied in variants delivering press forces from 4,000 to 25,000 kN, with a controlled closing unit available from 10,000 kN. Compress Eco meets all the requirements for processing fiber-reinforced plastics and is primarily used for SMC, LWRT and RTM applications.