CompositesWorld
Issue link: https://cw.epubxp.com/i/944580
NEWS CompositesWorld.com 33 Carbon Fiber Wheels Jeff Sloan is editor-in-chief of CompositesWorld, and has been engaged in plastics- and composites-industry journalism for 23 years. jeff@compositesworld.com Huntsman's de Verclos acknowledges the push to reduce manufacturing costs, which is imperative if all-, partially or hybrid composite wheels are to become an option for high-volume vehicles. e company, he says, is working on material chemistry and manufacturing process optimization to achieve this. Shelley says, "Materials can be a little more expensive if you are reducing the amount of material being applied and creating production efficiencies." Aesthetically, OEMs are putting pressure on Dymag to improve surface quality. "e level of scrutiny that some of our customers put on the surface quality of our carbon fiber is going up," Shelley says. "ere can be absolutely no pinholes, no defects. is is really a major, major challenge." Further, OEMs and their customers like to have the carbon fiber weave in wheel components exposed. Because of this, Dymag and its customers have developed an ABC hierarchy to characterize wheel material visibility: A=always visible; B=sometimes visible; C=never visible. A and B surfaces, as would be expected, receive the most attention to make sure they meet appearance requirements. "Aesthetics are paramount in the luxury and performance markets," Shelley says. To achieve this aesthetic, the choice of the resin system is crucial. Its selection has an impact on wheel color. "When it comes to color," de Verclos explains, "using the right chemistry to increase productivity and performance is quite often playing against us. We have been able to design systems with good initial color, as well as color stability during service, without compromising on technical and process performance." Driving toward higher volumes It is clear that composite materials, design tools and manufacturing processes are evolving in directions that will make carbon fiber wheels safer and more affordable. But when can the world expect to see them on high-volume vehicles? "e move towards lightweight vehicles is only set to intensify as OEMs look to a future without the combustion engine," says Shelley. "For an electric vehicle, light- weight wheels will also extend range. However you look at it, the growing demand from OEM and aftermarket audiences for this kind of technology in the coming years can only help the transition to mass-market manufacturing and bring carbon composite wheels and their unparalleled benefits within the grasp of every driver." Read this article online | short.compositesworld.com/CFWheels When you get serious, upgrade to Anderson. If you're serious about your business, then you require a serious machine. Not a toy, a design tool, or a beta model that's the first of its kind being proven out and tested at your expense and your frustration on your shop floor. Since 1991, Anderson America has been satisfying the most demanding US customers with over 4500 CNC Router installations for Composites, Aluminum and Non Ferrous in North America. We exclusively use FANUC control systems matched with FANUC servos and electronics which have a 25 year parts availability guarantee. electronics which have a 25 year parts availability guarantee. 10710 Southern Loop Blvd. Pineville, North Carolina 28134 Ph.(704)-522-1823 Fx.(704)-522-0871 www.andersonamerica.com