CompositesWorld
Issue link: https://cw.epubxp.com/i/866813
NEWS 69 CompositesWorld.com BENTELER SGL, Ort im Innkreis Read this article online | short.compositesworld.com/BSGLTour Read more online about SGL's role in BMW's CFRP vehicle part production in "BMW Leipzig: The epicenter of i3 production" | short.compositesworld.com/ BMWLeipzig Read CW's FACC Plant Tour online, titled "FACC AG: Aerocomposites Powerhouse" | short.compositesworld.com/FACCTour Read more about Volvo leaf spring production in "500,000 parts per year? No problem!" | short.compositesworld.com/500000 Read more about Tailored Fiber Placement (TFP) in "Tailored Fiber Placement: Besting metal in volume production" | short.compositesworld.com/7QEhsvZ0 Read more about wet compression molding (wet pressing) in the following: The CW Blog titled "Wet compression molding" | short.compositesworld.com/wetcomp The CW tour of the BMW 7 Series Plant in Dingolfing, Germany | short.compositesworld.com/BMW7Series but our focus is on structural and semi- structural parts. us, HP-RTM is an expertise. So we can produce structures with Class A finish but we can also use thermoplastic HP-RTM if necessary. e key point for us is the part and its design. We excel when the design and production is complex." is adaptability is also exemplified, Ascher notes, by another capability: "We have a fully automated wet pressing process installed here, delivering very short cycle times for low- to mid-complex geometry." He notes it is a good process for thin-walled components, "but this is not the end of wet-pressing technology. Currently, it cannot handle undercuts, in which case we would go to RTM. But we are working to develop this capability in wet pressing." With regard to parts, Ascher sees continued growth in leaf springs and large, integrated structures for high-end vehicles and sports cars. Ascher says the biggest growth market is in China, "and they are willing to pay for the tech- nology and to be a leader." Although it offers significant opportunities, the US automotive market, Ascher says, remains cautious about composites. Regarding concern about a reliable supply chain, Ernst-Siebert notes that SGL's carbon fiber production plant in Moses Lake, WA, US is not only for BMW, but open to supply other automotive OEMs and tier suppliers, as announced in 2016. BENTELER SGL also is ready to aid further develop- ment in the US or elsewhere. Says Ascher: "We can reduce the complexity for compa- nies wanting to move forward with CFRP applications and apply proven technology in huge volumes, based on our significant experience and capabilities." CW senior editor Ginger Gardiner has an engineering/materials background and more than 20 years of experience in the composites industry. ginger@compositesworld.com Building our future...together! 815-987-6000 | www.ingersoll.com AUTOMATED FIBER PLACEMENT MACHINES LEADING THE PRODUCTIVITY CHALLENGE