Compression Moulding Technology

Advantages of the compression moulding technology (hot-press process) are:

• Reproducible fibre orientation
• High fibre volume content
• High surface quality on both sides
• Exact geometry all-around
• High temperature resistance (high glass transition temperature Tg)
• Short cycle times

In the hot-press process, prepregs are cured in a compression or press mould. Like the autoclave moulding, the prepregs are precisely cut on the cutter and placed in layers in the defined sequence and orientation into the mould until the defined laminate structure is created. The lower half of the mould is the then inserted into a heated press. Typically, the upper half of the mould acts as a stamp or counter mould while closing the press and curing the part heat and pressure.

During the closing of the press, the material may start gliding or shifting on the complex-curved surfaces of the mould – similar to deep drawing. This effect has to be taken into account in the design of the mould. Depending on the type of material and the mass of the cured component, the curing takes place between a few minutes and 2 hours. The component is then demoulded and processed further.

Connova Group has the know-how and the means for the compression moulding process:

• Computer-controlled high temperature presses
• High-quality, temperature-resistant moulds (usually made of aluminium or steel)
• CNC machining centres for accurate and efficient milling, trimming, drilling, cutting
• Controlled deep-freeze cells to safely store the uncured prepregs

Typical applications of the hot-press process are:

• In aviation: fairing parts, interior fittings
• In automotive: decorative and housing parts, covers
• In mechanics: fittings, covers, high-speed machine parts,
• In medical: prostheses (aids outside the body)
• In sports & leisure: skis, rackets