Benteler selected Cannon for BMW Series i3 and i8

For the production of a new, innovative carbon-reinforced parts supplied to BMW, Benteler selected Cannon as equipment partner. Cannon Deutschland, in cooperation with Cannon Ergos, has supplied the turn-key installation required for this important contract. The fully-automatic production plant includes: one high-pressure dosing unit Cannon Estrim for the epoxy resin application process, according to the Cannon LLD (Liquid Lay Down) distribution method; two 1,000 ton presses for the fast polymerisation of parts; five handling robots for the manipulation of Carbon fibres and finished parts; the whole set of electronic controls, safety devices and the storage facilities for chemicals.
The LLD distribution method used for this plant consists in deposing a liquid "ribbon" of formulated resin over the carbon fibre reinforcement. The sandwich of various layers of carbon fibres is therefore wetted with a uniform film of liquid that will perfectly impregnate its entire surface once pressed in the mould. The absence of in-mould flow of reacting resin coming from the mixing head reduces drastically the counter-pressure generated during injection, allowing for the use of low-tonnage clamping presses. This reflects into a limited investment in moulds and clamping tools and in a limited consumption of energy during each cycle, thus contributing to reduce production costs. The high-pressure impingement mixing heads used for the Estrim technology allow for the use of fast-reacting formulations, able to generate parts which can be demoulded after only three minutes, a part-to-part cycle time very much appreciated by the automotive industry suppliers.
A peculiar aspect of the supply consists in the possibility of using recycled carbon fibres, obtained from scraps generated by the preforming and trimming operations performed in the same plant or from other CFRP production units. A substantial saving in fibres cost can be achieved with the use of recycled reinforcement, as well as the solution of a major environmental and disposal problem.