JULY 2023AUTOTECHOUTLOOK.COM9OEMs are therefore looking to out of autoclave technologies (OOA) for high-performance composite components. The high cost and limited size of autoclave systems has prompted many processors to call for OOA resins system. Ultra-lightweight C-SMC continues its push below 1.0 g/cc and several new C-SMC production lines have been installed over the past few years. C-SMC is also used for structural applications, thanks to great mechanical properties that are equivalent or even better than many aluminium alloys. Its excellence in crash energy adsorbing is surprising automotive engineers and several applications have been already presented with that technology. Its potential is in front subframes developments, in tubs, rocker, lids, windscreen surrounds and many others. The material can also be locally reinforced and co-moulded with patches of C-SMC made with carbon fiber 0-degree/90-degree non-crimped fabric. This C-SMC structural subframe must handle significant loads, supporting the engine and chassis components, including the steering gear and the lower control arms that hold the wheels. A great benefit of C-SMC is also the possibility to integrate components, simplify geometries and further reduce weight versus traditional carbon fibre technologies. If compared with metals, C-SMC can achieve in some case 80 percent. parts reduction, replacing stamped steel parts with two compression moulded composite components and some co-moulded stainless-steel inserts, cutting weight by 30-40 percent.Future manufacturing technologies will be more and more about out of autoclave processes, moving resins curing time from 10 to 2-3 minutes and eliminating the preforming step by offering cycle times of around 90 seconds and less-expensive equipment. Also, non-destructive methods are now able to guarantee reliable manufacturing processes and recycling techniques are also ensuring material sustainability for product life cycle. Additive manufacturing for composites is also possible today with several different methods, of which the Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) is the most widely used. FDM builds parts of ABS, polycarbonate and other resins noted for toughness. No less important is nanocomposites development that allows engineers to measure local stresses and strain in the laminate, detecting defects during product lifecycle and improving the mechanical properties of the material. Non-destructive methods arenow able to guarantee reliable manufacturing processes andrecycling techniques are also ensuring material sustainabilityfor product life cycle
< Page 8 | Page 10 >