CompositesWorld
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NEWS CompositesWorld.com 25 3D Preforming F148CH33 COMPACT HIGH RAIL 120 Technology Drive • Troutman, NC 28166 www.cronsrud.com © Copyright 2017, C.R. Onsrud Incorporated. All rights reserved. Advanced Materials • Non-Ferrous Metals High-Speed Machining • Large Part/Envelope Machining The newly redesigned Compact High Rail Series CNC machining center is based on the proven dependability of a heavy, engineered and precision welded steel base. We created a roomier cutting envelope for large material while still delivering the power, rigidity and accuracy this platform is known for. The new 5-Axis Compact High Rail by C.R. Onsrud is a CNC machine for serious applications. Powered by: #depend Come See Us at BOOTH #B9 September 11-14, 2017 Orlando, FL CW-07|2017 "e value of this concept lies primarily in the weight, cost and sub-part reduction that it offers with respect to a metal door module in the same price range," explains Chang-Manson. By using continuous fiber preforms as local reinforcements in the thermoplastic door, a weight reduction of up to 20% can be achieved, she adds. For the door module, EELCEE used a proprietary system it calls M-Tow — a braiding system that encapsulates the incoming unidirectional (UD) fiber tow with a suitable braid of fiber and/or polymer. is allows the tow to be heated and reshaped during the subsequent automated layup process without any loss of composite consolidation and polymer exudation. It also allows the braided tow to be self-supported during any form of 3-D layup. e QEE-TECH process enables users to place a variety of 3D preforms for dedicated load introduction and load distribution. With proper design, it also can reduce the number of subparts. In this case, the ther- moplastic composite door module consists of only six parts, compared to 17 parts in the legacy steel door. "In developing the part, the whole value chain needs to be considered: manufac- turing process and tool design, assembly and end-of-life," notes Chang-Manson. "e introduction of local inserts can improve performance, but they entail an increase in complexity. It is very important to define which aspects of performance should be prioritized to keep complexity to a minimum." Re-engineering of the door focused not only on reducing its weight but also on engineering in greater strength. Exten- sive testing is being performed on various preforms with different material combina- tions and shape configurations to verify process reliability and product performance. "Our partners are pleased with the prototype parts that have been produced," says Chang-Manson. "ey are dimensionally stable and the parts look promising for high- volume production." Hyundai Motor Co. reportedly has followed the door project closely and is considering adopting the technology for production. After testing is completed, EELCEE plans to contact other OEMs. Read this article online | short.compositesworld.com/3D-TDC Read CW's previous coverage of EELCEE's technology online in "Structural preform technologies emerge from the shadows" | short.compositesworld.com/Mqzr7Fg7 CW contributing writer Karen Wood previously served as managing editor of Injection Molding Magazine (Denver, CO, US). karen@compositesworld.com