Automotive

A method for embedding unidirectional carbon fibres in carbon fibre sheet-moulding compound (SMC) can be used to produce lightweight structural components in under three minutes, according to the U

An epoxy prepreg (HexPly M77HF) developed for a quick three-minute cure cycle using low-pressure processing techniques is to be launched by Hexcel of Stamford, Connecticut, USA.

DSM Engineering Plastics of Emmen, The Netherlands, has developed a process for the manufacture of composite high-pressure hydrogen storage tanks.

Porcher Industries of Badinières, France, is expanding in the US automotive market with the acquisition of a plant for the manufacture of parts in Altavista, Virginia. 

A consortium of international companies is being formed to drive the development of high-performance sheet moulding compound (HP-SMC), an established and cost-efficient material for the production

A sustainable adhesion system for bonding textile reinforcing materials to rubber based compounds in tyres is being developed by Continental of Hanover, Germany, and Kordsa of İzmit, Turkey. 

Toray Industries of Tokyo, Japan, is to construct a polyphenylene sulphide (PPS) compound production facility at the site of its subsidiary and large-tow carbon fibre manufacturer Zoltek in Nyerges

Automotive supplier Valeo is producing a top column module whose housing and levers are made of BASF’s Ultramid polyamide (PA) and Ultradur polybutylene terephthalate (PBT). 

Lectra has added a smaller model (FocusQuantum FT3K) to its range of laser cutters for multi-ply fabrics intended for use in airbags.