Mexican Media Brands
Polyurethane Resin Speeds Composite Leaf Spring Production
Composite leaf springs for vehicles can be produced faster and more accurately with a polyurethane matrix resin in place of the usual epoxy products, according to Dusseldorf-based Henkel AG & Co.
Share
Composite leaf springs for vehicles can be produced faster and more accurately with a polyurethane matrix resin in place of the usual epoxy products, according to Dusseldorf-based Henkel AG & Co. KGaA.
Henkel partnered with Benteler-SGL a venture between parts fabricators Benteler Automobiltechnik in Germany and SGL Carbon in Austria to marry its Loctite MAX 2 resin with a modified resin transfer molding system.
Together the companies have developed a process for making glass-fiber-reinforced leaf springs that weigh about one-third as much as conventional units made of steel.
Henkel says its polyurethane formula cures significantly faster than epoxy. Because of its lower viscosity, the resin also impregnates the fiber material faster and more smoothly, thus reducing injection time and improving molding accuracy.
The company adds that parts made with its resin also show an "exceptionally high" stress intensity factor, a measure of toughness.
RELATED CONTENT
-
Creating a Low-Cost Chassis Architecture
The engineers at Zenos Cars have combined recycled carbon fiber, drinking straws and aluminum to create a chassis for a low-volume sports car.
-
Jeeps Modified for Moab
On Easter morning in Moab, Utah, when the population of that exceedingly-hard-to-get-to town in one of the most beautiful settings on Earth has more than doubled, some people won’t be hunting for Easter eggs, but will be trying to get a good look at one of the vehicles six that Jeep has prepared for real-life, fast-feedback from the assembled at the annual Easter Jeep Safari.
-
On The Toyota Corolla Cross, Hyundai Santa Cruz, and VW Subscriptions
How to charge an autonomous vehicle. Toyota adds a new crossover. VW gets into the subscription business. Hyundai goes Santa Cruz. And more.
