Evonik will show the innovation and high efficiency of automated production to the aerospace composites industry at JEC World 2020 in Paris.
Visitors who wish to mass-produce composite components at the lowest cost can learn how to use rigid foams in automated production through a joint study by Evonik Industries, Composites Technology Center Co., Ltd. and Deutsche ZentrumfürLuft-und Raumfahrt e.V.
The results of the study confirmed the advantages of rigid materials and automation, including: the use of rigid ROHACELL foam, Evonik's closed-cell polymethacrylimide foam (PMI), and the use of automated production when building complex structures in large quantities.
Future growth
About 50 years ago, ROHACELL foam was put on the market as the first commercial PMI foam and used as a core material for composite sandwich structures. After years of reliability testing and certification, this composite material continues to grow in use.
Dr. Kai-Martin Krüger, head of Evonik ’s high-performance foam product line, said: “We first started production of ROHACELL in Darmstadt, Germany, and then increased the production facilities of Mobile (USA) in 2008. A new plant was opened in Shanghai (China). This year, Evonik is significantly expanding the ROHACELL plant in Mobile and investing in a new modern production plant in Darmstadt. The plant is scheduled to begin production at the end of 2021. For customers. Providing reliable local supply is our top priority. "
More than light
Composite sandwich parts combine a lightweight core with a thin carbon fiber composite cover to provide maximum mechanical performance at the lightest weight. ROHACELL also has strength and stiffness, high temperature resistance, and excellent compression creep strength at high temperatures.
Rigid foam is widely used in aircraft, automobiles, ships, sporting goods, electronic products and medical technology.