Composite / Thermosets

Hand lamination 

This process is best suited for large products in small batches. This method gives the operator control of the manufacturing and involves a relatively low investment in materials cost and equipment.

Expertise in Hand Lamination

Hand lamination is still among the most widely used methods for producing products in thermosetting composite. This process is best suited for large products in small batches.

This method gives the operator control of the manufacturing and involves a relatively low investment in materials cost and equipment. It can be used many different combinations of resin and reinforcement and produces products with a smooth surface on one side.

RTM – Resin Transfer molding 

RTM (Resin Transfer Molding) is a environmentally friendly and efficient process that competes with hand lamination. The products can be molded in both open and closed forms or tools. The key parameter is that the material (resin) is injected under vacuum, which ensures good filling and a pore free result. 

Expertise in Vacuum Injection

Resin Transfer Moulding (RTM) is a low pressure moulding process, where a mix of resin and catalyst are injected into a closed mould containing a fibre pack or preform. When the resin has cured, the mould can be opened and the finished component removed. 

Products can have up to 70 percent reinforcement, which provides high rigidity and good mechanical properties. The products often have an outer layer of gelcoat, giving them a colored surface of high quality.

Materials

Several different types of reinforcement and resin can be used to give the product desired properties such as strength, stiffness, chemical resistance, finish and appearance.

Uses of RTM

Typical uses of RTM products are antenna radomes, installations for the chemical industry, transportation, offshore and water works.

SMC – Sheet Moulding Compound 

SMC (Sheet Molding Compound), composite materials made of fiberglass impregnated with specially formulated resin compositions, are typically based on polyester, vinyl ester or phenol/melamine. After a “maturing” period, SMC is form pressed in a heated steel tool in vertical hydraulic presses. 

Expertise in Hot Pressing (SMC)

SMC Moulding gives the designer the freedom to style and develop complex, highly accurate mouldings consolidating a number of parts into a single component, with a high strength to weight ratio, excellent temperature stability and finish. SMC is a type of reinforced composite plastic, which principally consist of a thermosetting resin, glasfibre reinforcement and filler. SMC products offers good mechanical properties, excellent chemical resistance, temperature stability, low smoke and toxicity, electrical insulation and good paint ability among others. 

Cooperation between Innofiber and BEFORM

BEFORM Fredrikstad AS, (previously Biobe AS) has entered into an agreement with Innofiber AS with increased focus on thermoset applications. BEFORM has an 40% ownership in Innofiber. 

Innofiber is a group of experienced people from the polymer and composite industry. They have engineering skills and offers consulting services within the design and manufacture of structures of fiber-reinforced composite materials. BEFORM contributes with quality system, machines, equipment, production facilities and skilled operators.The joining of forces in Innofiber will stimulate growth, increase focus upon solely composite materials which again will improve the service level to our customers.

Innofiber is located in the same premises as BEFORM Fredrikstad, contributing to easy communication and a smooth transition of customer responsibility.  Innofiber AS will take over the responsibility for all thermoset manufacturing from August 2022 including sales activities and customer relations. BEFORM will focus upon thermoplastics production and the circular economy.