Advanced International Multitech (AIM), a specialist in the manufacture of golf heads and clubs, has joined forces with KraussMaffei to further expand its product portfolio by producing high-quality carbon wheels with a complete HP-RTM system.
Composites technology has been at the heart of AIM's technological innovation for three decades. Now, as AIM embarks on a new journey into the automotive industry, KraussMaffei's expert support is key to its success. With the introduction of HP-RTM technology, AIM has opened a new chapter in the manufacture of high-performance carbon fiber automotive wheels.
Compared to traditional low-pressure processes, HP-RTM requires more elaborate metrology technology, and its advantage is that it can produce parts with consistent quality and extremely high surface accuracy, and it greatly reduces the production cycle. This time saving is particularly important in the pursuit of high efficiency in automotive manufacturing.
KraussMaffei's solutions enable customers to meet the diverse production needs of AIM by enabling high-pressure transfer molding and wet and compression RTM molding for low-volume production in HP-RTM cells.
Usually these wheels are designed with a hybrid material body, a carbon fiber composite body, and a striking aluminum alloy bracket. These wheels are 20%-30% lighter and about 20% stronger than conventional aluminium wheels.
The KraussMaffei project team actively supported the customer and planned a complete solution, including an MX hydraulic injection molding machine with a clamping force of 10,000 kN, a RimStar Compact 8/4 HP-RTM foaming system, two robots for metering and handling, and a precision tooling system that takes up only 16 m x 12 m.
