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Fibres/​Yarns/​Fabrics

Owens Corning launches new solution for SMC systems in automotive applications

Owens Corning, a leading producer of glass fibre reinforcements and engineered materials for composite systems, has announced a new multi-end roving designed for epoxy sheet moulding compound (SMC) systems in automotive applications at the JEC Europe 2014 show that has been taking place last week in Paris. “Taking weight out of cars is required to enable meeting CO2 emission regulations and fuel economy standards. In combination with the epoxy resin system, the ME1510 solution provides the opportunity for significant part weight reduction compared to steel,” said Hans Van Der Steen, Owens Corning Business Development Leader for Structural Composites. “Furthermore, the SMC process technology provides the right balance between moulding cycle times, design freedom (allowing for function integration), and high mechanical properties.”

17th March 2014

Innovation in Textiles
 |  Paris

Transport/​Aerospace, Industrial

Owens Corning, a leading producer of glass fibre reinforcements and engineered materials for composite systems, has announced a new multi-end roving designed for epoxy sheet moulding compound (SMC) systems in automotive applications at the JEC Europe 2014 show that took place last week in Paris.

“Taking weight out of cars is required to enable meeting CO2 emission regulations and fuel economy standards. In combination with the epoxy resin system, the ME1510 solution provides the opportunity for significant part weight reduction compared to steel,” said Hans Van Der Steen, Owens Corning Business Development Leader for Structural Composites.

The automotive market is expected to grow to 100 million new vehicles per year by 20203.

“Furthermore, the SMC process technology provides the right balance between moulding cycle times, design freedom (allowing for function integration), and high mechanical properties.”

Improved mechanical properties

The automotive market is expected to grow to 100 million new vehicles per year by 20203. With increased regulatory constraints in Europe, North America, and Asia, matching CO2 emission regulations and fuel economy standards are key drivers for weight reduction initiatives, according to Owens.

A 200 kg to 300 kg weight reduction will be required to meet the CO2 emission targets set for Europe in 2020, which is 95g CO2/km.

In combination with epoxy sheet moulding compound (SMC) systems, the new ME1510 glass reinforcement is said to enable improved mechanical properties. It features superior strength and flexural modulus, fast impregnation and excellent process characteristics in SMC, allowing up to 63% glass fibre content, the company reports.

Lightweight composite materials

Along with engine and transmission improvements, the replacement of traditional materials with lightweight and durable composite materials represents one of the most significant opportunities for vehicle light weighting.

Composites allow for enhanced function integration compared to metal and can lead to further weight reduction opportunities in the medium to long term, in structural applications such as floor systems, pillars, roof and door modules, bumper beams, and seat structures.

Owens Corning

Owens Corning is a leading producer of residential and commercial building materials, glass fibre reinforcements and engineered materials for composite systems.

A Fortune 500 company for 59 consecutive years, Owens Corning is committed to driving sustainability. In business for more than 75 years, Owens Corning is a market-leading innovator of glass fibre technology operating in 27 countries.

www.owenscorning.com

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