New range of carbon reinforcements for automotive and aerospace

• Carbon reinforcements for parts requiring class A finish
• Volume allows aircraft to use CNG (compressed natural gas)
• Chomarat at #CAMX

In response to the demand of reducing vehicles weight, costs and cycle times, Chomarat presents its carbon range C-PLY with a carbon roof panel for the Roding Roadster at the upcoming #CAMX 2014.

Based on a PU system with short cycle times and combined with the latest advancements in a RTM process, composite parts are produced with a very good surface quality directly out of the mold. The company’s carbon reinforcements can be used in automotive structures and external hang-on body panels requiring a class A finish. The technology saves time-consuming rework, which can amount up to 60% of the costs per component, according to the company. C-PLY allows the development of competitively priced parts that offer improved strength, reduced weight, and high quality surface finish.

C-PLY used for VX1-KittyHawk aircraft

The carbon reinforcement C-PLY can also be used in aerospace. The company will showcase a ¼ scale version of the VX1-KittyHawk. Due to its unique shape made possible by C-PLY, the hybrid aircraft designed by VX AEROSPACE minimizes its environmental footprint and competes in the CAMX Awards for Composites Excellence in the Design Category: “The volume will also allow KittyHawk to lead the way in adopting CNG (compressed natural gas) as an aviation fuel. Existing technology CNG tanks fit inside the aircraft with no aerodynamic compromise.” says Bob Skillen, VX Aerospace’s CEO. The first flight of the sub-scale aircraft took place in the US on June 6, 2014.

Fire resistant glass reinforcement

For railway and construction applications, Chomarat has developed Rovicore FR (Fire Resistant) reinforcement that provides an alternative for the manufacturing of fire-resistant composite parts and meets fire classification requirements. Especially adapted to closed mold processes, Rovicore FR is a glass fiber based reinforcement with a halogen free core.