#Composites

2021-11-25

SGL Carbon receives SPE Innovation Award for glass fiber leaf spring

On November 10, 2021, the Automotive Division of the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE®) in Michigan hosted its 50th annual Automotive Innovation Awards Gala, the oldest and largest awards ceremony in the automotive and plastics industries. In all, awards were presented in 10 categories for the most innovative use of plastics. This year, Ford Motor Co. beat out the rest of the nominees with its innovative spring system for Ford's F-150 pickup model. The hybrid leaf spring from supplier Rassini was selected as the award winner in the chassis/hardware category. This award also honors the supply chain.

Recognition with SPE Innovation Award for innovative spring system for Ford's F-150 pickup model in the chassis/hardware category

Oldest and largest awards ceremony in the automotive and plastics industries

SGL Carbon is involved with production of state-of-the-art glass fiber fabrics and supply of finished leaf spring components

SGL Carbon is involved in two aspects of this project: Firstly, with the production of state-of-the-art glass fiber fabrics at the SGL site in Wackersdorf, and secondly, with the supply of finished leaf spring components, which SGL manufactures in its component production facility in Ort im Innkreis, Austria.

"In addition to the almost fully automated and high-volume series production, the technical innovation for the excellent spring system also consists of the intelligent interaction between conventional steel leaf springs and our novel composite materials. Here, the conventional steel leaf spring is supported by our additional spring made of GFRP, so that the vehicle is cushioned reliably and comfortably even with heavy load. Compared to steel, the design of the composite leaf spring also enables a weight saving of over 50%. ", explains Robert Hütter, responsible for Large Scale Solutions at SGL Carbon's Composites Division.

"We congratulate Ford and Rassini and are proud to contribute to the innovative suspension system of the F-150 with our fiber materials and composite solutions. While our carbon fibers, with their high tensile strength and light weight, are particularly suitable for body components, our glass fiber fabrics, with their especially elastic material properties and equally low weight, are an optimal set-up for making modern leaf spring systems even lighter and offering a real alternative to the classic steel leaf spring. This applies to combustion engines as well as to electric mobility. ", adds Markus Stieglbauer, Director Sales Management of the Business Line Textiles at the Fiber Division in Wackersdorf.

The significant weight reduction of composite components also ensures a higher range and more efficiency for e-cars (BEV) as well as lower fuel consumption. At the same time, CO2 emissions are reduced and the rigidity of the vehicle is increased.

Variety of composites components

For use in the automotive industry, SGL Carbon produces a wide range of different parts and components made of carbon and glass fiber-reinforced plastics, from body components and battery cases to friction linings made of carbon fiber material. The company supplies a wide range of automotive manufacturers worldwide. The automotive components also include leaf springs made of glass fibers, which contribute to a significant reduction in weight. SGL Carbon manufactures the leaf springs in a highly automated process, both as transversal and longitudinal leaf springs.

SGL Carbon decides to restructure its Carbon Fibers business unit

The Board of Management of SGL Carbon SE today decided, with the approval of the Supervisory Board, to restructure the loss-making Carbon Fibers business unit. SGL Carbon will significantly reduce the business activities of Carbon Fibers and focus on a profitable core. Individual solutions are being developed for all Carbon Fibers sites, including the closure of unprofitable sites.

SGL Carbon evaluates strategic options for the carbon fibers and appoints Dr. Denis Hinz as new head of the business unit

SGL Carbon SE is currently evaluating various strategic options for the Business Unit Carbon Fibers (CF). These include a possible partial or complete divestment of the Business Unit. In a first step, potential interested parties shall be approached promptly with the general data of the Business Unit to determine their interest in an acquisition. If there is sufficient interest, a structured transaction process will be carried out in a second step.

Engineering depth and diversity for composites

Airbond is the latest member of the British Textile Machinery Association (BTMA) to receive recognition for contributions to the composites industry. The engineering firm based in Pontypool, South Wales, has just received the Make UK Energy and Sustainability Award for its Lattice 3D Printing project.

Sustainable, lightweight, and sound absorbing: Polyester-based front trunk solution for BEVs

As car manufacturers look to further reduce their carbon footprint, Autoneum has developed an innovative front trunk solution for battery electric vehicles (BEVs), made entirely from polyester-based textile. The Ultra-Silent Frunk offers significant weight reduction, improved acoustic and thermal insulation, and uses up to 70 percent recycled material, supporting sustainable and efficient vehicle design. Autoneum, global technology leader in acoustic and thermal management for vehicles, has already received orders for the new frunk from three major OEMs in Asia and Europe to be built in three BEV models. Series production for two BEVs has been underway in China and Germany since last year.

Modern testing methods for raw cotton

The 38th International Cotton Conference Bremen will take place from 25 to 27 March 2026 at the Bremen Parliament. This conference has traditionally stood for in-depth expertise and international exchange. The program will focus on technical innovations, market trends, and regulatory frameworks across the entire value chain – from agriculture to the circular economy. With high-profile speakers, the conference is regarded as the key meeting point for the global cotton industry. Today’s focus: Cotton quality and testing methods.

Rieter responds to higher raw material prices

Global political and economic developments have been leading to rising raw material and energy costs for some time. The textile machinery industry is also affected by this trend. Rieter machines and components consist to a large extent of steel, copper, aluminum and electronics. These materials in particular have seen higher demand and higher prices in recent months.