Hot press technology

The strengths of the hot pressing process:

• Reproducible fibre placement
• Alto teor de fibras
• High surface quality
• All-round shaping, exact geometry
• High temperature resistance
• Short cycle times

In the hot press process, prepregs are cured in a press mould and cut to size on the cutter. They are then placed in a mould layer by layer in the desired sequence and orientation (pre-laminated) until the desired layer structure is achieved. The laminated mould is then enclosed in a heated press. A counter mould or a stamp made of elastomers can be used as a stamp.

Similar to deep drawing, the material shifts on complex curved surfaces – we take this problem into account in the design. Hardening takes between a few minutes and 2 hours, depending on the material and product. The component is then demoulded and processed further.

The Connova Group has the expertise and resources for the hot pressing process:

• Controlled high-temperature presses
• High-quality, temperature-resistant moulds (usually made of aluminium or steel)
• CNC cutting room for precise and efficient cutting
• Controlled deep-freeze cells to store the uncured prepregs safely

The hot pressing process is used:

• in aviation: panelling parts, interior fittings
• in the automotive industry: decorative and panelling parts, screens
• in mechanical engineering: fittings, covers, high-speed machine parts,
• in medical technology: prostheses (aids outside the body)
• for sports equipment: skis, rackets