CFRP Prototype Development

Leveraging CFRP’s Strengths in Prototype Development

The distinctive “lightweight, strong, and non-corrosive” advantages of composite materials, such as carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP), has led to significant growth in commercialization in various situations and industries. With 55 years of technical know-how and extensive molding facilities in hand, Uchida is expanding horizons in versatile prototype development of all shapes and sorts.

Challenges in CFRP

Despite anticipated market expansions, the CFRP manufacturing industry is still struggling to improve productivity and cost reductions. This is due to actual material costs, the need for molds, and the numerous complex and manual manufacturing processes involved.

Fields Where CFRP is being Leveraged

Motorbikes: Exterior components, structural components, helmets

Automobile: Exterior components (hood, roof, trunk, doors, fenders, bumpers), IP components, Structural Components (chassis, frame, wheels), hydrogen tanks

Aircraft: Exterior structural components, interior components

Space: Rockets, satellites

Defense: Structural components

Medical: X-ray CT beds

Welfare: Orthotics, wheelchairs, crutches

Art: Artistic productions

Sports: Golf club shafts, fishing rods, tennis rackets, bicycles, baseball bats

Construction: Concrete reinforcement, seismic reinforcement

Wind power generation: Large blades

Robots: Robot arms for transporting products

Uchida Facilities and Equipment

CFRP Molding Methods

Autoclave Molding

RTM (Resin Transfer Molding)　

Va-RTM (Vacuum Assisted Resin Transfer Molding)

Press Molding

Hand Lay-up Molding

Filament Winding Molding

Sheet Winding Molding

Pultrusion

3D Printer

At Uchida, we use the fabrication methods shown in red.

Molding Methods

Molding methods for CFRP are numerous and are selected according to the desired application, shape, and production lot.

Autoclave

Large scale autoclave

φ3m × 6m (depth), temperature MAX 200°C : pressure MAX 1.0MPa

High pressure autoclave

φ1.15m × 1m (depth) temperature MAX 400℃ : pressure MAX 2.0MPa

Press System/RTM『HP-RTM,Gap-RTM,WCM』

Krauss Maffei Press Machine：630ton W1.5m x L1.2m x H1.7m

Krauss Maffei Epoxy Resin Injection Machine： Resin 60ℓ,Hardener 25ℓ

KUKA Material Hand Robot: KR 240 R3330

Asano Laboratories Co.,Ltd. Quick Response Heater

 

3D printer (FDM method)

Markforged : Mark Two

Markforged：Onyx One

In addition to autoclave molding, we maintain a wide range of molding technologies and equipment, including RTM, HP-RTM, Va-RTM, hand lay-up, and 3D printers.

The Advantages of Choosing Uchida

One-stop Manufacturing

From design analysis to CFRP fabrication, secondary processing, assembly, painting/coating, quality assurance, and testing, Uchida’s comprehensive one-stop manufacturing means that all your production needs are taken care of in one single stop.

 Product Fabrication for Various Industries and Needs

Uchida’s developmental achievements and experience spans from our origins in mannequin manufacturing to 2-wheel (race bikes) and 4-wheel (race cars, next-generation vehicles, optional parts) automobiles, and aviation to aerospace, marine, robotics, defense, medical, welfare, sports, arts, and industrial machinery. Recently, we have further expanded our developments to include the “eVTOL” flying car and lunar rovers.

Versatility to Respond to Diverse Needs

CFRP prototype development means being able to respond to diverse needs and requests, regardless. At Uchida, we boast versatility enabled by our wide range of equipment, specialized manufacturing environments, and long-accumulated technical know-how.

UCHIDA Co., Ltd.-2