High Modulus, Structural Fiberglass Reinforced RIM for Automotive Components

A new low-investment fabrication technology for producing large-area structural composite parts is described. Key to the process is a new chemical family of low-viscosity reactives which can be injected by the RIM process through a large variety of pre-placed reinforcements. Parts produced by this process are capable of replacing metal in a large variety of automotive structures such as front- and rear-frame members, floor pans, etc. Volumes of 5,000 to 1,000,000 or more parts per year are ideal for this process, which provides a balance of productivity, low investment and performance unavailable in any current fabrication process.