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Source | EELCEE AB FEATURE: Automotive Composites A radical and rapid preforming approach developed by EELCEE AB (Trollhättan, Sweden) uses fber tows or rovings that are robotically slung around a number of fastener points. The resulting skeleton or frame (shown in white) is then robotically transferred to an injection or compression molding cell for overmolding with thermoplastic material. The process is being adopted by automaker Hyundai-KIA for production bumpers. out the fber with resin. Ten, a robotically controlled layup head creates an open, tailored 3-D "skeleton," trademarked QEE-FORM, by rapidly placing the fber/resin strands, in any shape or size, around integral metallic bushings or fastener points. Te resulting QEE-FORM frame is then robotically placed in either an injection molding machine, where it is overmolded with thermoplastic resin, or in a compression molding press, where it provides addi- tional reinforcement for glass mat thermoplastic (GMT) or sheet molding compound (SMC). "Our integrated preform processing technology, trademarked QEE-TECH, enables the production of lightweight, structural thermoplastic composite parts at a high rate and at lower cost than legacy materials," claims company founder Dr. Jan-Anders Månson. "Te tailored preforms allow a shorter and faster path from fber and polymer to fnished parts." Cycle time is 45 to 90 seconds, in the range of the part forming process that follows. Woven or unidirectional fabrics, in prepregged form, can be incorporated into the QEE-FORM preform and easily fxed in place with an application of heat, with tailored structural properties. "Tis technology integrates the advantages of conventional thermoplastic and compression molding along with those of continuous fber reinforcements," Månson sums up. Targeted applications include structurally loaded auto parts, such as bumper beams, seat structures and front-end module carriers. EELCEE develops a concept and design in consultation with the OEM or end-user, then produces the QEE-FORMs at its production facilities. Complex preforms enter produCtion Automakers have fnally begun to take notice. EELCEE won a JEC Innovation Award at the 2013 JEC Asia event in Singapore for its work with Hyundai-KIA Motor Group and molder Hanwha (both based in Seoul, South Korea) on a new thermoplastic bumper system. A 3-D QEE-TECH tow framework is overmolded with GMT in a compression molding process. "Te QEE-TECH applica- When There's No Room for Error ... When processing composite material, successful removal from the mold is critical to achieving higher quality, lower cost and boosted operational efciency. compositesworld.com … Trust Chem-Trend 28 From wind blades and boat hulls to aircraft parts and racecar bodies, we understand composite processing. We spend thousands of hours on composite production foors, giving our technical and manufacturing experts unmatched insight into the toughest production challenges. In our world-class, industry-dedicated laboratories, we apply this insight to developing proven Chemlease® solutions for successful de-molding. ChemTrend.com