First Carbon Series Roof
Prepreg Compression Molding
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.
Mitsubishi Chemical Europe GmbH
Wethje Carbon Composites GmbH
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