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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.
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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.
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