Published

Pressing Composites

When we think 4,000-ton hydraulic presses, making sheet metal body panels comes to mind.

Share

When we think 4,000-ton hydraulic presses, making sheet metal body panels comes to mind.

Which, clearly, is old thinking.

SchulerComposite

This Schuler upstroke short-stroke press has with a clamping surface of 142 x 94 inches is installed at the Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation (IACMI) facility in Detroit, where it will be used to develop vehicle parts, as well as other components.

According to Ray Boeman, associate director of vehicle technology and program manager responsible for the Detroit facility, “The efficient and economic production of fiber reinforced plastics is a key opportunity here, and industry has identified a long term challenge – open-access to composite manufacturing equipment where technology can be developed and demonstrated on full-scale prototypes. With Schuler, we are bringing a key composite manufacturing capability online at the only facility of its kind in the US.”

Speaking of the press, Paul Nicholson, CEO of Schuler North America, explains, “Our technology not only offers a dynamic force control for reduced energy consumption, but also a greatly reduced mold try-out and wear compensation which ensures a fast development process for the IACMI. Furthermore, the congruent bending lines of slide and table compensate natural variations in process variables and materials.”

Congruent bending lines? They’re necessary for producing thin parts within limited tolerances below 0.01 inches. Like body panels.

The IACMI, which is headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee, is part of the Manufacturing USA network. The organization’s objectives include reducing the costs for carbon-fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) by 25 percent, reducing CFRP embodied energy by 50 percent and increasing CFRP recyclability by 80 percent.

The Detroit facility is operated by Michigan State University, and it receives support from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.

RELATED CONTENT

  • BMW Unveils the iX EV SUV

    While it isn’t going to be available until early 2022, BMW wants to show that it is in the lux EV SUV space, too

  • Multiple Choices for Light, High-Performance Chassis

    How carbon fiber is utilized is as different as the vehicles on which it is used. From full carbon tubs to partial panels to welded steel tube sandwich structures, the only limitation is imagination.

  • McLaren Senna: Remarkable Numbers

    This is the first McLaren Senna delivered in North America, a car that was delivered to Michael Fux, who is described as an “entrepreneur, philanthropist and renowned car collector known for his eclectic taste”: The car’s emerald green body color is actually called “Fux Green” by McLaren Special Operations, which provided bespoke options on the vehicle for Mr.

Gardner Business Media - Strategic Business Solutions