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Others / Extensible & Transformable Prepreg (ET40)
TORAYCA® prepreg ET40 is an innovative prepreg which simultaneously provides high mechanical properties and excellent formability. ET stands for Extensible and Transformable by 40%. The superior levels of formability allow for complex shaping by compression molding with equivalent mechanical properties to conventional UD prepreg. These features enable drastically reduced cycle times and improved productivity for large-volume applications such as automotive parts.
Features
TORAYCA® Prepreg ET40
Processing Technology
ET40 is made by introducing slits into UD prepreg in a controlled manner, creating a type of unidirectional SMC material in which fiber bundles are regularly arrayed in the same direction. This method allows for the consistent and regular flow of the bundles during the molding process and therefore results in the ability to be shaped into complex shapes, such as rib and deep-drawing, while maintaining a homogenous laminate structure due to its extensible and transformable nature. As a result of specific slitting patterns, ET40 is able to achieve the equivalent surface appearance, modulus and over 80% of the strength of UD prepreg.
Special slit pattern to be installed onto UD prepreg.
Homogeneous Laminate structure
Solutions
ET40 is made by introducing slits into UD prepreg in a controlled manner, creating a type of unidirectional SMC material in which fiber bundles are regularly arrayed in the same direction. This method allows for the consistent and regular flow of the bundles during the molding process and therefore results in the ability to be shaped into complex shapes, such as rib and deep-drawing, while maintaining a homogenous laminate structure due to its extensible and transformable nature. As a result of specific slitting patterns, ET40 is able to achieve the equivalent surface appearance, modulus and over 80% of the strength of UD prepreg.
3D shaping by compression molding
TORAYCA® Prepreg ET40 for 3D Shaping by Compression molding
Reinforcement for metal structure
| 4ply [0]4 | 16ply [0]16 | |
|---|---|---|
| UD prepreg Spring back |
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|
| ET40 Multiple layers can be draped simultaneously, no spring back |
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 |
* FAW = 150g/m2
Mechanical Properties after stretch mold (Isotropic flow)
In quasi-isotropic stacking sequence, ET40 has no declining in Tensile modulus, in spite of the slits introduced into each ply.
Decreases of tensile strength and impact strength of ET40 are only 20% approximately.
Applicable Prepreg
Any type of UD prepreg and resin system can be applicable for ET40.
3 types of rapid cure resin system are available for compression molding with ET40.
