Hot Press Process

For high-volume, geometrically simple components

The hot press process is used for geometrically flat components with a high degree of reproducibility and surface quality.

Strengths of the hot press process:

• reproducible fiber deposit
• high fiber content
• high surface quality
• polydimensional shaping, precise geometry
• high temperature resistance
• short cycle times

In the hot press process, prepregs are hardened in a press mold. They are then cut to size on the cutter and laid into a mold layer by layer (pre-laminated) in the desired sequence and alignment - until the desired layer structure is achieved. The filled mold is then locked into a heated press. A counterplate or a plunger made of elastomers can be used as a plunger. Similar to deep drawing, the material can move when there are complex curved surfaces - we take this problem into account already in the design phase. Depending on the material and product, hardening can take anything from a few minutes to 2 hours. The component is then removed from the mold and processed further.

CONNOVA has the right expertise and resources for the hot press process:

• controlled high temperature presses
• high-quality, temperature-resistant molds
• CNC cutting room for precise and efficient cutting to size
• controlled freezing units for secure storage of unhardened prepregs

The hot press process is used

• in aviation: lining parts, interior finishing
• in car building: decorative and cowling parts, screens
• in mechanical engineering: fittings, covers, fast-moving machine parts
• in medical engineering: prosthetics (walking aids outside the body)
• for sports equipment: skis, bats