PINETTE PEI

C-RTM Process

C-RTM Process: Large Composite Parts with a Cycle Time of Two Minutes

C-RTM (compression resin transfer molding) is a process that enables the production of structural parts in high-performance composites with a cycle time of two minutes.

In 2017, the C-RTM process won the JEC Group Innovation Award.

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Temperature control unit

Finished parts

Short stroke press

Transfer robots

Option: cooling of finished parts or post-curing

Resin injection system

Automatic dimensional inspection of finished parts

Preform loading cell

Process
  1. Rapid press closing at a precise interval, vacuum is created in the tool cavity
  2. Precisely measured resin is rapidly injected into the gap above the preform
  3. The press closes completely, compacting and impregnating the preform to its final dimensions.
C-RTM_Process

Features

Process performance :

  • Repeatability
  • On-line control
  • Flexible: supports multiple manufacturing processes
  • Fully automated process
  • Net shape
  • Compatible with thermoplastic and thermosetting resins
  • 30 pieces/h
  • Two-minute cycle time for large parts
  • Use of 100% of raw materials
  • Compatible with high-pressure (HP) injection

Product performance :

  • Fiber volume: up to 60%.
  • Porosity < 2%
  • No fiber deformation during the process
  • Ensures stable part geometry
CAPEX / Production volume, part size curve
Technical specifications (can be activated open by default: content setting --> active as default)

Eco Compact Sustainable Press (ECS PRESS)

  • Press tonnage: 1,500 tonnes
  • Opening and closing speed: 800 mm/s
  • Platens size: 2 m x 1.5 m with parallelism control

RTM equipment and tools

  • Innovative modular tool (net-shape, thermally optimized)
  • Optimized temperature control system
  • High-pressure injection molding machines for thermoplastic and thermoset resins (30-250 cm3/min)

Automation

  • Dedicated control room
  • 6-axis robots (x2) – 700 kg capacity
  • Modular preweighers (for preforms and composite parts)

Online monitoring, data backup and post-processing

  • In-line controls (preform and part)
  • Centralized acquisition and archiving of process parameters
  • Measuring energy consumption
Materials
  • Fibers: glass, carbon
  • Resins: thermosets and thermoplastics
Applications

Automotive

Structural and non-structural parts

  • Case in white
  • Door side beam, door liner, tailgate, interior components, exterior components
  • Hood, roof, fenders

Aeronautics

  • Low-temperature components
  • Secondary structure, interior cabin component
  • Blades

Range of applications

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Complex part