Automotive/e-mobility
Technical textiles and composites have become indispensable in the automotive industry. Their versatile application and processing possibilities open up new ways for manufacturers to reduce production costs, save weight or increase the mechanical properties of a design.
Low weight
To keep subsequent fuel consumption as low as possible, new ways are always being sought to reduce the total weight of add-on components, such as front skirts. However, the stability or strength of the overall construction must not be compromised.
One way to ensure this is to use multiaxial non-crimp fabrics or hybrid non-crimp fabrics. The fibers can be aligned in various directions, which means they can be perfectly tailored to the forces that will subsequently be exerted on them and thus allow the highest possible force absorption in predetermined directions. As a result, fewer reinforcement layers are needed, which has a positive effect on the overall weight.
Optimized resin flow
Good resin flow is critical for successful infusion and injection production. Vitrulan resin flow products are designed to control the resin flow during infusion. The unique channel structure incorporated into the reinforcements increases the mold filling speed and ensures complete impregnation of critical areas. One layer of X-flow, for instance, helps wet multiple layers of standard reinforcing material.
Quick mold loading
Using woven mat combinations or stitchbonded mats is a simple way to improve working efficiency, as one layer is equivalent to four separate layers of reinforcement.
Smooth surface
NCF/fleece combinations can be used to achieve a smooth surface and thus an improved appearance. The fleece used in the combination provides a resin-rich layer that creates a good, even surface finish.
Optimized strength
Add-on components such as spoilers, bumpers or wind deflectors, which are fitted to all types of cars, are exposed to strong forces on a daily basis. Vitrulan multiaxial non-crimp fabrics and hybrid non-crimp fabrics are specially designed for the manufacture of high-quality laminates and – thanks to their individually alignable fibers – they perfectly redirect the forces that occur without damage to the component.
To improve the mechanical properties and strength of a laminate and to be able to fasten bolts, screws or metal parts, for example, a woven roving is usually incorporated as a middle layer.
By combining a flow medium with one or more layers of structural reinforcements, such as multiaxial non-crimp fabrics, hybrid non-crimp fabrics or technical fabrics, it is possible to increase strength and stiffness simultaneously in certain directions. The Multiflow range of resin flow products by Vitrulan can be customized to suit the intended application.
Self-adhesive
Most technical textiles and composites are available with an adhesive coating compatible with polyester or vinylester up to a width of 127 cm. The adhesive holds the reinforcement in place while the mold is filled and closed.
Moldable thermoplastic
To keep the production costs of semi-structural parts in the automotive industry as low as possible, the speed of the manufacturing process is becoming increasingly important.
Multiaxial non-crimp fabrics made of polymer fibers such as polypropylene (PP) or polyamide (PA) have excellent thermoplastic moldability properties, which allow them to be inserted quickly into the desired mold. By combining them with other fiber materials such as carbon or glass, the component can be made more resistant to the forces exerted upon it and its service life increased.
Good drapability
Good drapability is particularly important for the injection process (RTM Light and RTM) to prevent wrinkling or the creation of resin-rich areas that can be prone to cracking.
Our multiaxial non-crimp fabrics, hybrid non-crimp fabrics and woven hybrid fabrics can be tailored to suit specific applications, allowing them to be used even in difficult molds.
Combiflow is one of Vitrulan’s resin flow products, which is able to adapt easily even to difficult molds due to its elastic material.
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