After Continental Structural Plastics (CSP) won a JEC Innovation Award in 2016 for its Lincoln MKS Decklid Concept - a TCA Ultra Lite® exterior panel and a Carbon fiber RTM prototype inner part - Continental Structural Plastics (CSP) has refined its carbon fiber RTM process (CF-RTM) to such an extent that a premium automobile manufacturer will use the technology for closures on future vehicle platforms. These doors will feature both interior and exterior panels and structural reinforcements molded using CSP's advanced CF-RTM process.

When CSP founded its competence center for lightweight construction technologies and carbon fiber processes in 2013 in Pouancé, France, the aim was to develop processes that make the use of carbon fiber in high-volume applications affordable and feasible. Since then, the CSP team in Europe has been working to develop a high-performance CF-RTM process designed to produce high-strength, ultra-light components to help OEMs comply with stringent CO2 emissions regulations. In particular, the team has focused on shortening cycle times, utilizing automated preforming, and reducing the cost of carbon fiber materials.

“ We aimed for a cycle time of 3 minutes using 100 percent recycled carbon fiber. With our multi-material cover flap concept, we have shown that this is entirely possible, ”said Marc Philippe Toitgans, Director of Research and Development at CSP Europe. " We are proud to say that we have worked with major OEMs in the United States and Europe on RTM programs for carbon fiber and will see the first commercial applications of this technology very soon."

From CAE analysis to flow simulation, preform process, tool design and full automation, CSP has built up first-class expertise to support the most important Class A structural and CF-RTM programs for closures and other BIW applications. The main distinguishing features of CSP are based on the following factors:

• 100 bar injection pressure and up to 1,500 tons of pressure for closure applications
• High fiber content (more than 50%) for structural applications
• Injection time of 20 seconds
• Handling of variable material thicknesses
• Weight savings of up to 30% compared to aluminum

To support several carbon fiber RTM programs that will begin as early as late 2020, CSP and parent company Teijin are investing in a dedicated CF RTM production line in Palmela, Portugal. The initial investment of € 5.5 million includes the installation of compression presses, RTM injection units and an adhesive cell.

" We look forward to working side by side with our customers in Europe to demonstrate our RTM capabilities," said Ricardo Barros, CSP / Inapal program manager. " The level of industrialization and automation that we are achieving in Palmela is unprecedented for similar carbon fiber applications."

In addition to reducing component weight and cycle times, the CSP team in Europe has used a number of methods that will lead to more sustainable manufacturing processes. Towards a net zero emissions target, CSP Europe is working on the CF-RTM process of tomorrow, with a focus on natural or recycled fibers, thermoplastics / bio-materials, advanced resins, and reducing scrap and waste.

“ Our goal is to continue to work on a sustainable value proposition with an emphasis on net zero carbon emissions,” said Philippe Bonte, President of CSP Europe. " We will achieve this through advanced manufacturing technologies and the use of renewable materials, with the aim of making a positive contribution to the global environment."

About Continental Structural Plastics

Continental Structural Plastics, a Teijin Group company, has been delivering cutting-edge technology for lightweight composite solutions to the automotive, truck, HVAC and construction industries for 50 years. CSP is headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan. The company offers full technical support services and holds several patents covering material development and manufacturing processes. The company operates on three continents and employs more than 4,300 people. Visit cspplastics.com for more information .

About the Teijin Group

Teijin (TOKYO: 3401) is a global, technology-driven group that offers advanced solutions for ecological benefits, safety and disaster reduction as well as demographic change and increased health awareness. Founded in 1918 as the first Japanese viscose manufacturer, Teijin has grown into a unique company spanning three core businesses: high performance materials including aramid, carbon fibers and composites, as well as resin and plastics processing, films, polyester fibers and product processing; Healthcare including pharmaceuticals and home healthcare devices for bone / joint, respiratory and cardiovascular / metabolic disorders, nursing and presymptomatic health care; and IT including business-to-business, medical and public systems solutions. The company also offers package software and B2C online services for digital entertainment. Teijin is deeply committed to its shareholders, as expressed in the “Humane Chemistry, Humane Solutions” brand statement, and wants to be a company that supports the society of the future. The group comprises more than 170 companies and employs around 20,000 people in 20 countries worldwide. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2020, the company had revenues of JPY853.7 billion (US $ 8 billion) and total assets of JPY 1,004.2 billion (US $ 9.4 billion). You can find more information on The company also offers package software and B2C online services for digital entertainment. Teijin is deeply committed to its shareholders, as expressed in the “Humane Chemistry, Humane Solutions” brand statement, and wants to be a company that supports the society of the future. The group comprises more than 170 companies and employs around 20,000 people in 20 countries worldwide. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2020, the company had revenues of JPY853.7 billion (US $ 8 billion) and total assets of JPY 1,004.2 billion (US $ 9.4 billion). You can find more information on The company also offers package software and B2C online services for digital entertainment. Teijin is deeply committed to its shareholders, as expressed in the “Humane Chemistry, Humane Solutions” brand statement, and wants to be a company that supports the society of the future. The group comprises more than 170 companies and employs around 20,000 people in 20 countries worldwide. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2020, the company had revenues of JPY853.7 billion (US $ 8 billion) and total assets of JPY 1,004.2 billion (US $ 9.4 billion). You can find more information on that supports the society of the future. The group comprises more than 170 companies and employs around 20,000 people in 20 countries worldwide. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2020, the company had revenues of JPY853.7 billion (US $ 8 billion) and total assets of JPY 1,004.2 billion (US $ 9.4 billion). You can find more information on that supports the society of the future. The group comprises more than 170 companies and employs around 20,000 people in 20 countries worldwide. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2020, the company had revenues of JPY853.7 billion (US $ 8 billion) and total assets of JPY 1,004.2 billion (US $ 9.4 billion). You can find more information onwww.teijin.com .

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Contacts
Kim Zitny
+1 248 535 6944
kim.zitny@cspplastics.com

 

Source: businesswire.com

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