TECHNOLOGIES:
1. RTM (Resin Transfer Moulding)
Resin is injected under pressure into a closed mould containing a dry preform. It gives two smooth surfaces, consistent thickness and a stable process, suited to medium and high-volume structural parts.
2. Compression Moulding
- Carbon SMC (Forged Carbon) and Carbon BMC: chopped carbon fibres with resin, pressed in a heated mould. SMC comes as sheets, BMC as a mouldable compound for small, heavily ribbed parts. It allows complex geometry in a short cycle, which makes it a strong alternative to aluminium castings.
- Prepreg Compression Moulding (PCM): prepreg plies pressed in a heated steel mould. It delivers high surface quality on both sides and short cycle times, well suited to series production, for example in automotive.
- Liquid Composite Moulding (LCM): an umbrella term for processes in which a dry fibre preform is impregnated with liquid resin in a closed mould. These processes are used where repeatability and two smooth surfaces matter.
- Wet Compression Moulding: a stack of dry fabrics is wetted with resin outside the mould and then pressed. It needs no injection and has a short cycle, which makes it cost-effective for high volumes.
- Same Qualified Resin Transfer Moulding (SQRTM): prepreg is placed in a closed mould and a small amount of the same qualified resin is injected to maintain pressure. It achieves autoclave-grade quality without an autoclave, which is why it is used in aerospace.
- Balanced Pressure Fluid Moulding: the laminate is cured by a heated fluid acting at low pressure on a flexible membrane. It allows very fast heating and cooling without an autoclave.
3. Vacuum Infusion (VARTM, LRTM)
Vacuum draws resin into dry reinforcement under a bag or a semi-rigid counter-mould. It suits large parts and small batches with low tooling costs.
4. Pultrusion
Continuous fibres are pulled through a resin bath and a heated die. The result is profiles with a constant cross-section, for example reinforcing bars for concrete.
5. Autoclave and OOA (Out of Autoclave)
In an autoclave, prepreg cures under pressure and temperature, giving the highest laminate quality. OOA prepregs cure under vacuum only, in an oven, with quality close to autoclave curing, including for large parts.
6. Filament Winding
Continuous resin-impregnated fibre is wound onto a rotating mandrel. The method is used for tubes, shafts and pressure vessels, including hydrogen tanks.
7. Resin Casting
Resin, often with fillers, is poured into moulds. It is used for blocks, inserts, tooling components and high-volume parts.
Materials
We select materials to match the part’s requirements: loads, operating environment, target weight, appearance and cost at the planned volume. Working with a wide range of fibres and resins lets us propose the solution that is technically and economically optimal – not just the one we happen to have in stock.
Fibres
- Carbon fibres: the highest stiffness and strength at the lowest weight. We use them in structural parts where every gram counts – in automotive, aerospace, drones, sport and robotics – and in premium visual parts.
- Glass fibres: a very good balance of properties and price, chemical resistance and electrical insulation. They suit housings, covers, industrial, rail and marine parts, and any application where series cost is decisive.
- Aramid fibres (e.g. Kevlar®): high impact strength, cut resistance and energy absorption. They are used in parts exposed to impact, in ballistic and protective covers, and in hybrid structures with carbon fibre.
- Basalt fibres: resistance to high temperatures and chemicals, with properties between glass and carbon. They are suited to concrete reinforcement, parts working at elevated temperatures and construction applications.
- Natural fibres (e.g. flax): low weight, good vibration damping and a low carbon footprint. They are used in vehicle interiors, sports equipment and products where environmental impact matters.
Resins (matrix systems)
- Epoxy resins: the best mechanical properties, low shrinkage and excellent fibre adhesion. They are the standard matrix for structural parts, prepregs and high-performance components.
- Vinylester resins: high chemical and moisture resistance at a lower cost than epoxies. They suit parts working in aggressive environments – in industry, marine and energy.
- Bio-based resins: matrix systems partly derived from renewable sources. They help reduce a product’s carbon footprint and work well where environmental requirements apply, particularly in combination with natural fibres.