At this year’s JEC World in Paris from March 8-10, 2016, SGL Group will be presenting new material developments and innovative carbon fiber-based product solutions and their applications.
Composites are being used in combination with conventional materials such as steel and aluminum in increasingly more applications. Many developments focus on reducing the weight and increasing the functionality of components and optimizing material systems for use in large-scale production. This applies both to the automotive industry and to other segments such as aerospace and wind energy.
SGL Group demonstrates innovative material mix for large-scale automotive production
As a prime example for the innovative use of composites in large-scale production, SGL Group is showcasing the “Carbon Core” body of the new BMW 7 series for the first time at the JEC. Carbon fiber braids of SGL Group are being used as standard in combination with aluminum in the roof frame structure of this model series. The braids are produced in a fully automated process and then supplied directly to the BMW Group as preforms for the component production. SGL Group also supplies carbon fibers, carbon fiber-based fabrics and non-wovens, which are used according to the specific component requirements as standard in various parts of the body of the 7 series such as the C- and B-pillar pillar, rear panel, door sills, transmission tunnel, and roof rails.
SGL Group is involved in this project at various stages of the value chain. Carbon fibers are produced at Moses Lake in the US state of Washington. Subsequent processing of the fibers is carried out specially targeted within SGL Group’s production network.
Presentation of new material concepts in the innovation area of the JEC World Fair
In addition, SGL Group will demonstrate its current development activities in the newly created “AUTO Planet” innovation area of the JEC fair in Hall 6. Among the Company’s innovations are SIGRAPREG® TowPregs based on 50k continuous carbon fiber tow. SIGRAPREG® TowPregs made from carbon and glass fibers are particularly suitable for automated production processes because of their width stability and excellent winding behavior and they impart very good mechanical properties to the component. They can also be combined with new rapid-curing prepreg resin systems, which are currently being developed to meet the requirements of future large-scale production in the automotive industry. These “snap cure” epoxy resin systems combine very rapid curing times (< 3 minutes at 150°C) with good storage stability. The pre-impregnated semi-finished products also have optimized tack for automated processing.
Another highlight of the innovative product solutions presented by SGL Group is the range of different material options in the area of fiber-reinforced thermoplastics. These include tapes, sheets & LFT, which permit very fast cycles, easy weldability, and good recyclability. The thermoplastic materials supplied by SGL Group have previously been reinforced solely with carbon fibers but, as of now, glass fiber-reinforced semi-finished products are also available.
Visit us at JEC World, Paris Nord Villepinte , Hall 6, Booth C25!