Using Curv

Owing to its exceptional properties Curv offers a wide range of possible applications including flat sheets, moulded parts and the outer skin in sandwich constructions.

A detailed Processing Guide is available on request – go to Contact Us.

Moulded Parts

Because Curv is 100% thermoplastic it may be readily converted into parts by thermoforming.
 
Modest heating requirements, low hydraulic pressures and lower cost tooling all contribute towards lowering the cost of making high performance composite parts. For prototype parts resin or wooden tools may be used whilst for production parts aluminium tools are recommended.

Best results are achieved using matched tooling at pressures from 5 bars upwards depending on the complexity of the part.

Curv sheets can be heated to the required processing temperature (c. 150 - 160ºC) by infra red, contact plate heater or air convection without shrinking or otherwise deforming. Heated sheets are easy to handle either manually or by robot and may be either clamped or allowed restricted flow into the mould cavity depending on the complexity of the part being produced.

Stamp forming gives the highest definition and because Curv’s self reinforcing fibres are partially extensible, unlike glass or other common reinforcements, even fibre distribution is achieved with minimal thinning in high draw areas.

Cycle times of less than 60 seconds are achievable.

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Trimming

Post moulding operations are made easy by Curv’s lack of glass or mineral filler resulting in lower cutting tool costs and improved tool life. Curv may be punched, machined or alternatively may be cut by water jet.

Joining and bonding

Curv may be joined and fittings attached by ultra-sonic welding and for ease of dismantling mechanical fasteners may be used without risk of ‘pull through’.
A number of adhesives are available for bonding Curv. In addition, Curv can be supplied with specially modified surfaces to allow bonding to a wide range of other materials. Contact us for more information.

Sandwich Constructions

Curv may be used in conjunction with honeycombs and foams to produce sandwich structures offering

• high stiffness without ribbing
• ultra light weight
• all polypropylene
• controlled deformation on impact

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Local Reinforcement

Even in flow moulding processes (of GMT or LFTs) or in the injection moulding process (with PP or LFTs) Curv can be integrated and overmoulded as local reinforcements. Thus the excellent impact performance, abrasion resistance and energy absorbing behavior Curv can be used to improve the performance in defined areas of your parts.

WHY local reinforcement ?
• to improve impact performance
• to improve crash behavior / energy absorption
• to improve abrasion resistance
• to reduce wall thickness

HOW to reinforce parts ?
• by overmolding with GMT or LFT
• by back injection with PP or LFT
    • Curv has to be pre-heated (110-150°C)
    • reinforcement strip/sheet has to be fixed in the tool
    • overmolding/overinjection by PP, GMT or LFT at 210 -250°C
 

Tailored laminates

Due to the flexibility of our state of the art production equipment we are able to produce a range of customized products for specific applications. Examples include Curv in combination with

• aluminium
• aramid
• carbon
• glass

Surface treatment

Talk with us about the possibilities of colour options and structured surfaces as well as the options for surface treatments in general.