Preforms manufactured by an advanced robotic preforming process and subsequently molded via Resin Transfer Molding (RTM) have successfully been utilized to supply production composite components for the Aston Martin V12 Vanquish, released in April of 2001. The manufacturing technology utilized, the F3P (Ford Programmable Preforming Process), is the next generation preforming process based on the programmable powdered preforming process (P4) originally developed by Owens Corning and Aplicator System AB. F3P has been developed and successfully implemented to produce high quality glass fiber preforms utilized in semi-structural and Class W composite automotive components for the Aston Martin VI2 Vanquish. The system is a highly automated process that produces low cost, net shape glass fiber preforms and scrap rates of less than 3 %. This process differs from previous systems by providing offline robotic programming, state-of-the-art chopper gun technology, and other machine and process improvements. A combination of a high output chopper gun (4kg/min) and a fast curing binder affords the production of large component preforms every 4 minutes, making the F3P technology a viable manufacturing option for automotive production volumes up to 50000 components per year.
Advanced automotive preform production for body panels
2002
11 Seiten, 10 Bilder, 4 Quellen
Conference paper
English
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