Selection of molding method for CFRP automotive body parts - Resin injection vs. compression

Abstract

The carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) is now drawing attention in the automotive industry and has also recently been adopted for manufacturing bodies of mass produced electric vehicles. The CFRP molding method for automobile body can be largely categorized into the injection and compression methods. The essential difference between the two lies in whether or not the process involves an intermediary material and it became evident that this had a significant impact on quality and productivity. An evaluation was performed to determine which of these methods the valid method for basic molding, is by comparing the nature of such intermediary material with main components of automobile body, which led to the discovery of fundamental issues. A review on how technical developments thus far were considered with regards to such issues, it became evident that while significant progress was being made there was still a divergence from the expected target.