LCM (Liquid Composite Molding) Process with Preform Reinforcement
PRIME (Prepositioned-Reinforcement-Ensuring-Manufacturing-Excellence) is our proprietary LCM process with pre-placed reinforcement. It offers similar performance characteristics as SMC, and similar cost and volume benefits. Its key distinction is superior structural efficiency that improves mechanical and cosmetic properties of the molded part. This advantage makes it popular for high-volume automotive and truck parts that require greater structural integrity.
PRIME uses pre-placed reinforcement, precisely aligning the fibers with the load set of the product. This results in improved fiber efficiency and lower cost per weight. Use of advanced robotics minimizes the variation in fiber as well as the labor content, further enhancing performance. These factors expand the design allowables and reduce energy costs by up to 50%.
How does PRIME stack up against SMC?
Figure 1 plots the impact energy of PRIME vs SMC. At the various stages of the impact event, PRIME absorbs much more energy than SMC.
When comparing the tensile strength of PRIME vs SMC (Figure 2), the averages are very close for both materials — but the range is much tighter for the PRIME part. This is due to more uniform distribution and orientation of the glass fibers. The lower variation allows product designers to use materials very close to their design limits — resulting in stronger, lighter and more efficient parts.
Automotive OEM have been using PRIME for sport cars since 2007 (Figure 3). The PRIME parts reliably meet the essential fiber content and mechanical specifications, yet contain less overall fiber. That makes for lighter, faster vehicles.
Videos
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LCM Process + Preform – MFG PRiME™
Short video explaining MFG's PRiME process (compression molding with pre-placed reinforcement). This composite molding process has become the platinum standard in the automotive, heavy truck and defense industries where light-weight, high reliability components are required.
Resources
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Mass Reduction with Value-Engineered Composites
Guidance for light-weighting (mass reduction) of products using advanced composite materials.
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Technical Design Guide for FRP Composite Products and Parts
Fiber glass (FRP) composite materials and processes are explained in detail. This design guide outlines various selection criteria with helpful technical data and comparisons to alternative materials.
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Guide for Selecting Best FRP Composite Process
Guidelines for Selecting the Best FRP Composite Process for Your Project
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Preform Binder Technology White Paper
Technical paper discusses the critical properties and processing characteristics of directed fiber preforms as they relate to the different types of binder systems that can be used to produce the preforms.
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MFG PRIME™ Information Sheet
Article on MFG PRIME™. Introduced in 2007 by the Molded Fiber Glass Companies, PRIME™ has become a preferred molding process among OEM's for parts that require high mechanical strength.