Cannon: Its components are made of PUR reinforced with fiberglass

“Interwet LFI technology provides a solution to the production chain of PU-GF components in a single process step. The heart is the innovative and patented SR high-pressure mixing head, specially adapted and cleaning Self-L-shaped.” “The roving glass fibers are drawn into the chopper by vacuum, and then the fibers of different lengths are conveyed by vacuum to the mixing zone and wetted with PU composition, creating a homogeneous mixture. The mixture is sprayed into a heated tool which is closed until polymerization is complete. For OEMs and suppliers, Interwet-LFI is an attractive and time-saving alternative to manufacturing processes based on glass mats or short fiberglass pre-mixed with polyol.

Canon’s Interwet LFI technology is an automated and flexible process for a variety of fillers with fiber volume fraction (FVF) up to 50%. To obtain high tensile strength, the fiber ratio and length can be adjusted from 12.5 to 100 mm per spray cycle. In addition, deflectors located near the mixing head nozzles control fiber alignment, allowing for more consistent placement when producing thin-walled flat or ribbed components as well as thicker structural components.

Interwet LFI technology can be used to produce complex external components for automotive, mass transit and industrial applications. (Image: Cannon)

Load-bearing or semi-load-bearing parts and components made of PU-GF can be produced in many application areas that do not require particularly high surface aesthetics using Interwet-LFI technology alone. This process is suitable for civil engineering applications such as manhole covers, frames and columns, all of which are much lighter than their steel counterparts. This also reduces the need for heavy installation equipment.

The Interwet LFI process can also be used to improve the structure of thermoformed polymer components that are highly aesthetic; Spraying a PU-GF layer on the back of body components such as roofs, side and rear walls of buses, trucks and agricultural vehicles provides increased rigidity, strength and durability.

Cannon offers Interwet LFI systems that are ready for large-scale production. (Image: Cannon)

The combination of In-Mold Coating (IMC) and Interwet LFI technology allows the production of multi-colored components with high surface aesthetics, chemical resistance and mechanical performance while simultaneously bonding to the PU structure – in a single process. First, a self-releasing primer is sprayed on both halves of the mold, making the use of mold release agents unnecessary, followed by a barrier layer – then the PU-GF formulation is sprayed and the mold is sealed. After curing, the component is removed from the mold and has a highly aesthetic paintable surface.

Canon provides fully integrated Interwet LFI systems for large-scale production, including raw material storage, state-of-the-art patented dosing units and mixing heads, robots, in-die coating equipment, tooling, presses, thermoforming machines, post-processing equipment, as well as To environmental detergents to reuse cleaning agents.

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