Ultra-Fast Epoxy Resin

April 10, 2014

Jennifer Shuttleworth

Voraforce 5300 resin matrix from Dow Automotive Systems offers 90-s cycle times for resin transfer molding (RTM), making RTM-produced carbon-fiber composites suitable for mass production. According to the company, Voraforce 5300 extends RTM process capability via an extremely low viscosity for fast injection, with wetting of the fiber preform. Further, the formulation is equipped with an internal release mold package, minimizing external mold release costs. In addition to the material’s competitive mechanical properties, Voraforce 5300 allows for substantial parts consolidation. Customers can integrate many different parts into one production step, saving extra production and assembly operation costs, claims Dow. The resin matrix is classified as nontoxic according to REACH 2015 and the VDA-278 test shows volatile emissions are close to zero, an important factor for applications adjacent to the vehicle passenger compartment.