Bookmark 08-17-2017

First Carbon Series Roof

Prepreg Compression Molding

First Carbon series roof for Audi RS5 (© Wethje)

Wethje Carbon Composites GmbH based at Pleinting, Germany, succeeded in marking a world premier with the new PCM-technology: The first time a series vehicle, the new Audi RS5, will be equipped with a carbon roof.

The PCM-technology stands for Prepreg Compression Molding and has been developed by Mitsubishi Chemical Cooperation. The material (Prepreg) is being supplied as rolls. In the part-production-process several layers are being laid on top of each other, resulting in a so call “stack”. This one is then being processed to preforms. Subsequent these goods are being pressed to a carbon roof with a 2-parts tooling. Finally parts like internal protection and antenna are being mounted at the carbon roof after clear coat painting.

The innovative technology offers a series of advantages:

• The fast hardening material, which was especially optimized for the PCM-technology, reduces the production time from several hours to a few minutes. This reduction of production cycle time involves a significant cost reduction.
• Excellent mechanical properties in combination with an appealing look give the product a weight reduction of 40 % compared to the aluminum execution.
• This reduction lowers the gravity of the car, which has a positive effect to the driving characteristics and the sustainability.

With this Wethje Carbon Composites starts series production.