Cut Weight and Plastic with powerRibs™
There is an ongoing revolution towards cleaner mobility for the future. powerRibs™ can cut weight by up to 50% and reduce plastic by up to 70% in interior panels. Thereby both the impact of materials used, and fuel consumption can be reduced. The solution is cost-efficient and can be seamlessly integrated into high-speed production lines. ampliTex™ technical fabrics enable novel design options, creating a functional and visual layer in one.
RBT BioComposites (RBT) is proud to be a supplier partner with Project Arrow. https://projectarrow.ca/arrow/.
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RBT supplied the natural fibre composite mat for Project Arrow that was used in several interior applications. This mat is 50% lighter than fibreglass and creates up to 85% less embodied emissions than carbon fibre or plastics.
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We are very honoured to be involved with Project Arrow. These lightweight sustainable natural fibre composite mats are a perfect fit with EV mobility and will play an important roll in a Zero Emissions future. This proven technology is available today and scaled for widespread adoption. Project Arrow is a bold, ambitious project to show the world the capability of the Canadian automobile supply sector, and we are excited to be a part of it.
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Swiss sustainable lightweighting company Bcomp has announced the application of its natural fibre composite technology, ampliTex™, in the new Volvo EX30. This landmark project will see Bcomp’s flax fibre composites offered as an optional trim for the dashboard, and doors of the EX30. The collaboration follows Volvo Cars Tech Fund’s Series B investment in Bcomp last year.
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More info ->https://www.bcomp.ch/news/sustainable-flax-composites-enter-serial-automotive-production-in-new-volvo-ex30/
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High Performance
Reduce weight by up to 50% at equivalent stiffness
Improved Safety
Ductile fracture behaviour and no sharp edges
More Sustainable
Up to 70% less plastic, energy recovery recycling
Improved Cost Efficiency
Integrate in high-speed production lines with one-step back injection
Sustainability
powerRibs™ and ampliTex™ are made from natural fibres that grow without competing with food crops. By optimizing the properties of the fibres mechanically and through fabric architecture, less material is used. At the end of their life, parts can be ground down into a new base material, or used for thermal energy recovery without residual waste in the standard waste management system.
Process
Thermoplastic parts are made using one-step back-injection, which compression moulds powerRibs™ with a base layer NFPP fleece, decorative surface layer, attachment points and punching in the same step. With the award-winning employment of a soft silicone layer on the b-side in the compression moulding tool, the full stiffening potential of the powerRibs™ preform is reached and maintained. Our team of specialized engineers support clients all the way to their finalized part.
Novel Design Options
The powerRibs™ + NFPP solution can be easily wrapped in any traditional coverstock material, RBT BioComposites also offers a range of ampliTex™ technical fabrics for additional stiffness and novel design options, that can be integrated in the production to complete the solution.