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Brembo SGL Carbon Ceramic Brakes expands production capacity (c) SGL CARBON SE
13.09.2023

Brembo SGL Carbon Ceramic Brakes expands production capacity

SGL Carbon and Brembo agreed to expand production capacities for the joint venture Brembo SGL Carbon Ceramic Brakes (BSCCB). Both companies have been working together with BSCCB on the conditions and implementation plans for this in the preceding months. BSCCB will invest around €150 million until 2027 to expand by more than 70% production capacities at the sites in Meitingen (Germany) and Stezzano (Italy).

The capacity enlargement includes the construction of two new production facilities at the SGL Carbon Meitingen site with a total area of around 8,500 m² and the installation of new production machinery. The groundbreaking in Meitingen will take place this fall.

At the Stezzano site, production areas will be extended by around 4.000 m² to existing buildings and investments will be made in new production machinery.

SGL Carbon and Brembo agreed to expand production capacities for the joint venture Brembo SGL Carbon Ceramic Brakes (BSCCB). Both companies have been working together with BSCCB on the conditions and implementation plans for this in the preceding months. BSCCB will invest around €150 million until 2027 to expand by more than 70% production capacities at the sites in Meitingen (Germany) and Stezzano (Italy).

The capacity enlargement includes the construction of two new production facilities at the SGL Carbon Meitingen site with a total area of around 8,500 m² and the installation of new production machinery. The groundbreaking in Meitingen will take place this fall.

At the Stezzano site, production areas will be extended by around 4.000 m² to existing buildings and investments will be made in new production machinery.

The extensive expansion of production capacities will enable Brembo SGL Carbon Ceramic Brakes (BSCCB) to meet the high market demand and to cover the increasing customer requests in the future. The need for carbon ceramic brake discs from BSCCB increased worldwide. This is mainly due to the high product quality and performance of carbon ceramic brake discs, which meet the specific requirements of automotive manufacturers, especially in the premium and luxury segments, where high braking performance is needed.

Source:

SGL CARBON SE

06.09.2022

SGL Carbon increases sales and earnings guidance again for 2022

Due to the continued good business development, especially in the Carbon Fibers Business Unit, SGL Carbon SE is increasing its Group sales and earnings guidance for the current fiscal year and now expects Group sales of approximately €1.2 billion (previously: approximately €1.1 billion). The company expects to achieve adjusted EBITDA (EBITDA pre = earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization before one-off effects and non-recurring items) of €170 - €190 million (previously: €130 - €150 million) in 2022.

Based on lower prices for acrylonitrile as main raw material of the Business Unit Carbon Fibers as well as higher than expected customer demand for acrylic and carbon fibers combined with consistently good production capacity utilization and capability, the management of SGL Carbon SE assumes an improved earnings development of this Business Unit.

Due to the continued good business development, especially in the Carbon Fibers Business Unit, SGL Carbon SE is increasing its Group sales and earnings guidance for the current fiscal year and now expects Group sales of approximately €1.2 billion (previously: approximately €1.1 billion). The company expects to achieve adjusted EBITDA (EBITDA pre = earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization before one-off effects and non-recurring items) of €170 - €190 million (previously: €130 - €150 million) in 2022.

Based on lower prices for acrylonitrile as main raw material of the Business Unit Carbon Fibers as well as higher than expected customer demand for acrylic and carbon fibers combined with consistently good production capacity utilization and capability, the management of SGL Carbon SE assumes an improved earnings development of this Business Unit.

SGL Carbon assumes that the factors mentioned will continue at least until the end of the year and that the earnings situation of the Business Unit Carbon Fibers will exceed previous expectations. Combined with the continued good business development of the other three Business Units (Graphite Solutions, Process Technology and Composite Solutions), an improvement in the sales and earnings situation at Group level is expected.

In line with the forecast increase for adjusted EBITDA (EBITDA pre) to between €170 and €190 million (previously: €130 - €150 million), the company is forecasting adjusted EBIT (earnings before interest and taxes and before one-off effects and non-recurring items) of between €110 and €130 million (previously: €70 - €90 million). The forecast for return on capital employed (ROCE) of originally 7% - 9% has been raised to 10% to 12% corresponding to the development of earnings. The expectations for free cash flow (significantly below previous year's level of €111.5 million) remain unaffected by the expected improvement in sales and earnings.

The updated forecast for fiscal 2022 has been prepared on the basis of the currently prevailing market environment and assumes no deterioration in the general conditions, in particular due to the war in Ukraine and its consequences for the global economy.
 
The definition of key figures used in this release is aligned to the Annual Report 2021. There were no changes in the scope of consolidation or accounting methods compared with the previous guidance.

Source:

SGL CARBON SE

After Moody's, Standard & Poor's also upgrades SGL Carbon’s rating (c) SGL Carbon
SGL
11.05.2022

After Moody's, Standard & Poor's also upgrades SGL Carbon’s rating

Standard & Poor's Global Ratings (S&P) raises its long-term rating for SGL Carbon to B- and its issue rating on its financial instruments to B. The outlook for the company is rated as stable by the renowned rating agency.

S&P Global Ratings explains the upgrade of SGL's rating with the company's improved capital structure and the reduction of net debt. The rating agency expects SGL Carbon to generate positive free cash flow in the coming years, which will support the reduction in absolute debt.

For the future development of SGL Carbon, S&P assumes an improvement in profitability based in particular on the expansion of products and materials for the future-oriented core markets of mobility, energy transition and digitalization, besides the savings from the restructuring.

"We are pleased that our operational successes and the already advanced trans-formation of SGL Carbon have been honored by the two major rating agencies - Moody's and S&P - by upgrading the ratings. We also see this as a motivation for the further development of SGL Carbon," explains Thomas Dippold, Chief Financial Officer of SGL Carbon SE.

Standard & Poor's Global Ratings (S&P) raises its long-term rating for SGL Carbon to B- and its issue rating on its financial instruments to B. The outlook for the company is rated as stable by the renowned rating agency.

S&P Global Ratings explains the upgrade of SGL's rating with the company's improved capital structure and the reduction of net debt. The rating agency expects SGL Carbon to generate positive free cash flow in the coming years, which will support the reduction in absolute debt.

For the future development of SGL Carbon, S&P assumes an improvement in profitability based in particular on the expansion of products and materials for the future-oriented core markets of mobility, energy transition and digitalization, besides the savings from the restructuring.

"We are pleased that our operational successes and the already advanced trans-formation of SGL Carbon have been honored by the two major rating agencies - Moody's and S&P - by upgrading the ratings. We also see this as a motivation for the further development of SGL Carbon," explains Thomas Dippold, Chief Financial Officer of SGL Carbon SE.

More information:
SGL Carbon
Source:

 SGL Carbon

SGL Carbon and Koller Kunststofftechnik manufacture composite windshield for BMW Group (c) Composites United
Skeletal windshield design based on injection molding with carbon fiber profiles
16.11.2020

SGL Carbon and Koller Kunststofftechnik manufacture composite windshield for BMW Group

  • Carbon fibers combined with injection molding replace conventional steel construction
  • SGL Carbon supplies innovative carbon fiber profiles
  • Serial use in a future high-volume model of BMW Group
  • Construction method offers great potential for use in other automotive projects

Already in August, SGL Carbon received a multi-year order from Koller Kunststofftechnik GmbH for the production of novel carbon fiber profiles for serial use in windshields for a future high-volume model of BMW Group.

  • Carbon fibers combined with injection molding replace conventional steel construction
  • SGL Carbon supplies innovative carbon fiber profiles
  • Serial use in a future high-volume model of BMW Group
  • Construction method offers great potential for use in other automotive projects

Already in August, SGL Carbon received a multi-year order from Koller Kunststofftechnik GmbH for the production of novel carbon fiber profiles for serial use in windshields for a future high-volume model of BMW Group.

The profiles are particularly flexible fiber tows, pre-impregnated with thermoplastic resin in various dimensions. They will be compiled by SGL Carbon on the basis of its own 50k carbon fiber at its site in Innkreis, Austria, and subsequently processed by the injection molding experts at Koller to form a skeletal plastic component. The composite component will replace the previous steel-based windshield. Production of the carbon fiber profiles will start in the remainder of 2020 and will then be ramped up gradually over the next few years for the BMW Group model launch.

In the vehicle, the windshield is a connecting element between the roof frames and thus has an important stabilizing function. The carbon fiber profiles add the required stiffness and crash safety to the component. At the same time, they help to significantly reduce the weight of the roof and thus also support the driving dynamics. The injection molding process also enables particularly complex and material-efficient structures. In the BMW Group model, this innovative component concept will cut weight by 40 percent compared to conventional steel designs of the component while creating important space for cable ducts and sensors.

The production of the carbon fiber profiles themselves is also particularly geared to material and process efficiency in large-scale production. The profiles consist of several smaller fiber strands, the so-called rods, and are manufactured using the modern continuous pultrusion process. During product and process development it was one key objective to ensure that material loss during production is almost completely avoided.

"At SGL Carbon, we have been working on the development of thermoplastic carbon fiber profiles for use in injection molding for some time already. This development work is now beginning to pay off. Due to the many advantages and competitive costs, we see a great potential for the technology to be used in other automotive projects too," explains Sebastian Grasser, Head of the Automotive Segment in the Business Unit Composites - Fibers & Materials at SGL Carbon.

"Innovative lightweight construction with hybrid designs has developed into a strategically conclusive concept for Koller Group's OEM customers," confirms Max Koller, CEO of Koller Group. "SGL Carbon's high level of material expertise, combined with the process know-how of KOLLER Kunststofftechnik and KOLLER Formenbau, create the basis for a promising future in innovative lightweight construction technologies. With this order, the BMW Group has confirmed its confidence in the successful cooperation between SGL and Koller; we are particularly pleased about this", said Max Koller.
 
The Koller Group is a globally operating technology company with plants in Europe and China, as well as NAFTA. The Koller Group develops and manufactures lightweight construction, tools and serial components, primarily for the automotive industry.

Source:

SGL CARBON SE

Sample from the development of the nano porous high-temperature thermal insulation material Sample from the development of the nano porous high-temperature thermal insulation material (© ZAE Bayern).
12.08.2020

Consortium develops new generation of thermal insulation for high-temperature furnaces

In the joint project "AeroFurnace" funded by the German Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi), the consortium, consisting of the Bavarian Center for Applied Energy Research e.V. (ZAE Bayern) as joint coordinator, the furnace manufacturer FCT Systeme, and SGL Carbon has succeeded in improving the thermal insulation properties of a new composite material by up to 120 percent compared to commercially available felt-based carbon materials. This enabled the project partners to move into a new quality level of thermal insulation in high-temperature industrial applications and pave the way for more energy efficient thermal insulation.

Dr. Gudrun Reichenauer, coordinator of the joint project and head of the work group Nanomaterials at ZAE Bayern: "In this project, we have been able to make the latest findings from the world of nanomaterials accessible to the market through intensive cooperation and thus set new standards in the field of thermal insulation materials."

In the joint project "AeroFurnace" funded by the German Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi), the consortium, consisting of the Bavarian Center for Applied Energy Research e.V. (ZAE Bayern) as joint coordinator, the furnace manufacturer FCT Systeme, and SGL Carbon has succeeded in improving the thermal insulation properties of a new composite material by up to 120 percent compared to commercially available felt-based carbon materials. This enabled the project partners to move into a new quality level of thermal insulation in high-temperature industrial applications and pave the way for more energy efficient thermal insulation.

Dr. Gudrun Reichenauer, coordinator of the joint project and head of the work group Nanomaterials at ZAE Bayern: "In this project, we have been able to make the latest findings from the world of nanomaterials accessible to the market through intensive cooperation and thus set new standards in the field of thermal insulation materials."

Dr. Thomas Kirschbaum, project manager at SGL Carbon: "In furnace simulations at the partner FCT, we have already been able to demonstrate what the new material can do: Depending on the temperature program, up to 40 percent of the required process energy can be saved with the new thermal insulation material. The potential of the new material is great." This prediction will be reviewed under real conditions in a demonstrator component in the second half of 2020 as part of the still ongoing BMWi project.

Dr. Jürgen Hennicke, project lead and head of R&D at FCT Systeme: "As a leading manufacturer of industrial vacuum or inert gas high temperature furnaces, the new generation of insulating materials enables us to create furnaces with a more favorable ratio of usable space to external dimensions, thus offering customers improved cost efficiency and productivity".

Based on laboratory samples in plate form it has already been demonstrated that the production of the new material can be represented by technically simple processes and is in principle well scalable. However, there is still a long way to go before the product is ready for serial production.

The third largest share of final energy in Germany is used for the generation of heat in industrial processes (22.6 percent). In many industries, e.g. in the steel and ceramics industry, energy-intensive high-temperature processes run above 1000°C – these alone require almost 50 percent of the industrial process heat. Suitable thermal insulation materials can significantly reduce energy demand while maintaining the same usable volume.

Source:

SGL CARBON SE

(c) BMW Group
21.04.2020

SGL Carbon receives contract for battery enclosure from BMW Group

  • New composite e-Mobility application
  • Multi-year substantial contract

After prototypes for a Chinese automotive manufacturer, a major order from a North American automaker, and yet another order for a European sports car manufacturer, SGL Carbon has now been nominated by BMW Group to produce a cover component for battery enclosures in series. This substantial multi-year order will include the production of an innovative glass-fiber-based cover plate for the battery housing for usage in a future plug-in hybrid model of BMW Group.

  • New composite e-Mobility application
  • Multi-year substantial contract

After prototypes for a Chinese automotive manufacturer, a major order from a North American automaker, and yet another order for a European sports car manufacturer, SGL Carbon has now been nominated by BMW Group to produce a cover component for battery enclosures in series. This substantial multi-year order will include the production of an innovative glass-fiber-based cover plate for the battery housing for usage in a future plug-in hybrid model of BMW Group.

Materials made of composites are suited for battery enclosures for different reasons: Besides their light weight, which enhances the electric vehicle’s range, fiber-reinforced plastics offer high stiffness. In addition, they meet high requirements for water and gas tightness and feature excellent fire protection properties. Composite materials can also help to achieve improved structural stiffness of the underbody, e.g. to protect against penetration, as well as an optimized thermal management. Carbon fibers are ideal for especially stressed structures or load-bearing elements, such as the underbody panels and side frames. For components subjected to less stress, such as battery box covers, glass fibers or a fiber mix may suffice.

In addition to the new application for the hybrid model battery enclosure, SGL Carbon will continue producing the usual components made of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic for the BMW i3 and delivering materials for the Carbon Core body of the BMW 7 series, and has been nominated as the supplier for all carbon materials - fibers, textiles, stacks - for the BMW iNEXT, set to be launched in 2021.

Source:

SGL CARBON SE

Tailor-made large-scale fabrics production at SGL Carbon in Wackersdorf, Germany (c) SGL Carbon
Tailor-made large-scale fabrics production at SGL Carbon in Wackersdorf, Germany
07.02.2020

JEC World 2020: SGL Carbon presents new solutions

At this year’s JEC World, the largest trade fair for composites held from March 3-5, 2020 in Paris, SGL Carbon will focus on the topic of serial production for the automotive, aerospace and industrial sectors. The key is customized solutions with individual component designs combined with tailored materials and production processes ready for large scale production. Under the motto “The Solution Provider,” the company will present selective innovative component solutions from all three areas in Hall 6, Booth D25. Furthermore, as an example for industrial applications, SGL Carbon will showcase at the JEC world a crossbeam made of carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) used in automated Schuler press lines.

At this year’s JEC World, the largest trade fair for composites held from March 3-5, 2020 in Paris, SGL Carbon will focus on the topic of serial production for the automotive, aerospace and industrial sectors. The key is customized solutions with individual component designs combined with tailored materials and production processes ready for large scale production. Under the motto “The Solution Provider,” the company will present selective innovative component solutions from all three areas in Hall 6, Booth D25. Furthermore, as an example for industrial applications, SGL Carbon will showcase at the JEC world a crossbeam made of carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) used in automated Schuler press lines.

  •    Composite battery enclosures for e-mobility
  •    Flexible new leaf spring generation for rear axles
  •    Innovative component designs for passenger airplanes, helicopters and air taxis
  •    Extremely lightweight and stable transfer beam for mechanical engineering

Selective applications with focus on serial production
In the field of automotive applications, SGL Carbon will present at the JEC World composite battery enclosures as a promising new application driven by increasing demand for electric vehicles and the resulting new flexible chassis platforms. The company demonstrates a prototype of a battery enclosure based on carbon fibers. However, hybrid composites with a mixture of glass and carbon fibers are also possible.

In the aerospace sector, SGL Carbon is also expanding its portfolio of realized projects and expertise relying on the trend to use more efficient materials and processes in this industry too.
In the area of primary structure components, the company will present a demo exhibit for the door frame of a passenger airplane realized in collaboration with external partners and based on 50k carbon fiber from the SGL Carbon, which is suitable for serial production.

Live simulations and intense exchange at the booth
Visitors can experience live how their ideas can be implemented both sustainably and cost-effectively in composites thanks to simulations. Experts from the company’s own Lightweight and Application Center demonstrate the path from the concept to virtual prototypes using simulation software, with the result visible either to the entire audience or just individual visitors. To prepare, interested parties can contact the team now at the following link: https://www.sglcarbon.com/anmeldung-jec.

On March 4, 2020, the SGL Carbon stand will host its traditional get-together for customers and friends starting at 4 p.m. – no registration necessary.
 

More information:
SGL Carbon JEC World
Source:

SGL Carbon

SGL Carbon auf der JEC World 2020: Neue Lösungen für Automobilsektor, Luftfahrt und Industrie (c) SGL Carbon
SGL Carbon auf der JEC World 2020: Neue Lösungen für Automobilsektor, Luftfahrt und Industrie
07.02.2020

SGL Carbon auf der JEC World 2020: Neue Lösungen für Automobilsektor, Luftfahrt und Industrie

  • Batteriekästen aus Faserverbund für die Elektromobilität
  • Flexible neue Blattfeder-Generation für Hinterachse
  • Neuartige Bauteilkonzepte für Passagierflugzeuge, Helikopter und Flugtaxis
  • Extrem leichter und steifer Transferbalken für den Maschinenbau

Auf der diesjährigen JEC World, der größten Fachmesse für Verbundwerkstoffe, vom 3. bis 5. März 2020 in Paris stellt die SGL Carbon die serielle Fertigung von Komponenten für die Branchen Automobil, Luftfahrt und Industrie in den Fokus. Entscheidend sind individuelle Lösungen mit innovativen Bauteildesigns und darauf abgestimmten serientauglichen Materialien und Produktionsverfahren. Unter dem Motto „The Solution Provider“ präsentiert das Unternehmen in Halle 6, Stand D25, ausgewählte neue Bauteillösungen aus allen drei Bereichen.

  • Batteriekästen aus Faserverbund für die Elektromobilität
  • Flexible neue Blattfeder-Generation für Hinterachse
  • Neuartige Bauteilkonzepte für Passagierflugzeuge, Helikopter und Flugtaxis
  • Extrem leichter und steifer Transferbalken für den Maschinenbau

Auf der diesjährigen JEC World, der größten Fachmesse für Verbundwerkstoffe, vom 3. bis 5. März 2020 in Paris stellt die SGL Carbon die serielle Fertigung von Komponenten für die Branchen Automobil, Luftfahrt und Industrie in den Fokus. Entscheidend sind individuelle Lösungen mit innovativen Bauteildesigns und darauf abgestimmten serientauglichen Materialien und Produktionsverfahren. Unter dem Motto „The Solution Provider“ präsentiert das Unternehmen in Halle 6, Stand D25, ausgewählte neue Bauteillösungen aus allen drei Bereichen.

„Dank unserer integrierten Wertschöpfungskette von der Faser bis zum fertigen Bauteil, unserem Lightweight and Application Center sowie unserem zunehmend breiteren Portfolio an realisierten serientauglichen Konzepten bieten wir unseren Kunden smarte, maßgeschneiderte Lösungen aus einer Hand. Unsere umfassende Expertise sowie unsere hocheffizienten Materialien aus dem Automobilbereich setzen wir zukünftig verstärkt auch in der Luftfahrt und im industriellen Bereich ein“, erklärt Dr. Andreas Wöginger, Leiter Technologie des Geschäftsbereichs Composites – Fibers & Materials bei der SGL Carbon.

Automatisierte Qualitätskontrolle in der Produktion von Gasdiffusionsschichten für Brennstoffzellen bei der SGL Carbon in Meitingen (c) SGL Carbon
Automatisierte Qualitätskontrolle in der Produktion von Gasdiffusionsschichten für Brennstoffzellen bei der SGL Carbon in Meitingen
07.02.2020

SGL Carbon awarded by Hyundai as Supplier of the Year 2019

Automatized quality control of gas diffusion layers for fuel cells at SGL Carbon in Meitingen

  • One of only two awarded overseas suppliers
  • Long-term cooperation for a substantial production ramp-up

Mid of January SGL Carbon received the “Supplier of the Year 2019” award for excellence in quality management and contributions to strengthen the overall competitiveness of Hyundai Motor Group related to the manufacturing and supply of fuel cell components. The award is being granted by the Korean automaker once a year, evaluating several hundreds of suppliers from across the world in different categories. This time only two overseas suppliers have been awarded.

SGL Carbon and the Hyundai Motor Group have been cooperating on fuel cell technology for almost 20 years. Last year, the two companies agreed on an early extension to the existing supply agreement for SIGRACET® gas diffusion layers for the NEXO fuel cell car, encompassing a new long-term cooperation including a substantial ramp-up of the current production and supply volumes.

Automatized quality control of gas diffusion layers for fuel cells at SGL Carbon in Meitingen

  • One of only two awarded overseas suppliers
  • Long-term cooperation for a substantial production ramp-up

Mid of January SGL Carbon received the “Supplier of the Year 2019” award for excellence in quality management and contributions to strengthen the overall competitiveness of Hyundai Motor Group related to the manufacturing and supply of fuel cell components. The award is being granted by the Korean automaker once a year, evaluating several hundreds of suppliers from across the world in different categories. This time only two overseas suppliers have been awarded.

SGL Carbon and the Hyundai Motor Group have been cooperating on fuel cell technology for almost 20 years. Last year, the two companies agreed on an early extension to the existing supply agreement for SIGRACET® gas diffusion layers for the NEXO fuel cell car, encompassing a new long-term cooperation including a substantial ramp-up of the current production and supply volumes.

More information:
SGL Carbon Hyundai
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SGL Carbon

23.01.2020

SGL Carbon product finder supports selection of optimum graphite sealing material

  • New product finder "Flexible Graphite" finds optimum solutions for the respective customer requirements
  • Identification of the best SIGRAFLEX® graphite gasket material for a specific application

With the help of SGL Carbon’s new product finder "Flexible Graphite", users can quickly select exactly the sealing product that best suits their application requirements - from the range of SIGRAFLEX graphite gasket sheets available. The product finder is accessible free of charge on the company's website and guides the user to the optimum sealing material - online, easily and accurately.

The product finder "Flexible Graphite" can be found on the website at www.sigraflex.com/productfinder

  • New product finder "Flexible Graphite" finds optimum solutions for the respective customer requirements
  • Identification of the best SIGRAFLEX® graphite gasket material for a specific application

With the help of SGL Carbon’s new product finder "Flexible Graphite", users can quickly select exactly the sealing product that best suits their application requirements - from the range of SIGRAFLEX graphite gasket sheets available. The product finder is accessible free of charge on the company's website and guides the user to the optimum sealing material - online, easily and accurately.

The product finder "Flexible Graphite" can be found on the website at www.sigraflex.com/productfinder

More information:
SGL Carbon
Source:

SGL Carbon

Ultra-light landing gear made of carbon fiber composites for air taxis (c) SGL Carbon
Ultra-light landing gear made of carbon fiber composites for air taxis
20.01.2020

SGL Carbon: Ultra-light landing gear made of carbon fiber composites for air taxis

  • Series order for a total of 500 units
  • First SGL Carbon component project for manned autonomous aviation

SGL Carbon will begin serial production of landing gear made from braided carbon fiber material early this year. The landing skids will be installed in around 500 air taxis worldwide over the next two years.

The air taxis will be powered by several electric motors. To optimize the range of the taxis, every single gram counts. Measuring about two meters in length and 1.5 meters in width, the ultra-light landing skid will weigh less than three kilograms, making it about 15 percent lighter than a similar component made from aluminum. This increases the potential flight time capacity of the air taxi which is a key differentiator for the air taxi operator.

  • Series order for a total of 500 units
  • First SGL Carbon component project for manned autonomous aviation

SGL Carbon will begin serial production of landing gear made from braided carbon fiber material early this year. The landing skids will be installed in around 500 air taxis worldwide over the next two years.

The air taxis will be powered by several electric motors. To optimize the range of the taxis, every single gram counts. Measuring about two meters in length and 1.5 meters in width, the ultra-light landing skid will weigh less than three kilograms, making it about 15 percent lighter than a similar component made from aluminum. This increases the potential flight time capacity of the air taxi which is a key differentiator for the air taxi operator.

“With with our landing gear we help to shape this very new, promising application of manned, autonomous civil aviation. This involvement also demonstrates our wide range of services. From engineering, to prototype manufacture, to serial production with our own materials – all of our competences along the entire value chain made a contribution to the project ,” emphasizes Dr. Andreas Erber, Head of the Aerospace segment of the Composites – Fibers & Materials business unit at SGL Carbon.

The landing gear was developed in close collaboration between customer experts and specialists from SGL Carbon. The carbon fibers for the component are produced at the SGL Carbon plant in Muir of Ord, Scotland. The final part is being manufactured at the SGL Carbon site in Innkreis, Austria.

 

More information:
SGL Carbon
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SGL Carbon

SGL Carbon: Großauftrag für Batteriegehäuse (c) SGL Carbon
SGL Carbon: Großauftrag für Batteriegehäuse
13.01.2020

SGL Carbon: Contract for composite battery enclosures

  • New composite e-mobility application gains momentum
  • Strengthening regional footprint in North America
  • Potential for further extensions

Following the production of first prototypes of battery enclosures for a Chinese automotive manufacturer in 2018, SGL Carbon has now received a contract from a North-American automaker for high-volume serial production of carbon and glass fiber-based composite top and bottom layers for battery enclosures. The serial production of the components will start end of 2020. The carbon fibers and fabrics as well as the assembled components come from SGL Carbon’s fully integrated value chain. On top of this order, there is the potential for more extensions with further substantial volumes for the shared platform business of the manufacturer.

In addition, SGL Carbon has won a smaller volume contract from a European sports car manufacturer to serially produce bottom layers made of composite as of mid-2020. The company is additionally in talks with further automakers to develop and manufacture battery enclosure solutions for their e-car platforms.

  • New composite e-mobility application gains momentum
  • Strengthening regional footprint in North America
  • Potential for further extensions

Following the production of first prototypes of battery enclosures for a Chinese automotive manufacturer in 2018, SGL Carbon has now received a contract from a North-American automaker for high-volume serial production of carbon and glass fiber-based composite top and bottom layers for battery enclosures. The serial production of the components will start end of 2020. The carbon fibers and fabrics as well as the assembled components come from SGL Carbon’s fully integrated value chain. On top of this order, there is the potential for more extensions with further substantial volumes for the shared platform business of the manufacturer.

In addition, SGL Carbon has won a smaller volume contract from a European sports car manufacturer to serially produce bottom layers made of composite as of mid-2020. The company is additionally in talks with further automakers to develop and manufacture battery enclosure solutions for their e-car platforms.

“Driven by the increasing need for e-cars worldwide and thus for new flexible chassis platforms, our composite battery enclosures are a very promising new application in our product portfolio. The recent contract wins show that our approach of developing custom-made solutions based on our integrated value chain offers an excellent value proposition”, says Sebastian Grasser, Head of Automotive Segment.

More information:
SGL Carbon
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SGL Carbon

SGL Carbon (c) SGL Carbon
SGL Carbon
11.12.2019

SGL Carbon produces composite leaf springs for Ford Transit

  • First glass fiber based leaf spring project in series by Ford worldwide
  • From development to serial production

Since midyear, SGL Carbon has produced longitudinal leaf springs made of glass fiber-based composite for Ford Transit rear axles in series. The springs are used in combination with the Transit Skeleton chassis. Thus, they are applied where high payloads play an important role, for example in caravanning models or specific commercial vehicle variants of the Transit. In comparison to conventional leaf springs, the innovative composite leaf spring weighs about 50 percent less while offering increased security standards. The serial application is supported by a one-to-one compatibility with standard steel springs.

 

  • First glass fiber based leaf spring project in series by Ford worldwide
  • From development to serial production

Since midyear, SGL Carbon has produced longitudinal leaf springs made of glass fiber-based composite for Ford Transit rear axles in series. The springs are used in combination with the Transit Skeleton chassis. Thus, they are applied where high payloads play an important role, for example in caravanning models or specific commercial vehicle variants of the Transit. In comparison to conventional leaf springs, the innovative composite leaf spring weighs about 50 percent less while offering increased security standards. The serial application is supported by a one-to-one compatibility with standard steel springs.

 

More information:
SGL Carbon
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SGL Carbon

SGL Carbon und Solvay schließen Kooperation zur Entwicklung von im hohen Maße konkurrenzfähigen und fortschrittlichen Carbonfaser-Verbundwerkstoffen für Primärstrukturen in der Luftfahrt (c) SGL CARBON SE
SGL Carbon Large-Tow-IM-Carbonfaser Produktion am US-Standort Moses Lake
03.12.2019

Collaboration between SGL Carbon and Solvay

SGL Carbon and Solvay collaborate to develop highly-competitive advanced carbon fiber composites for aerospace primary structures

SGL Carbon and Solvay have entered into a joint development agreement (JDA) to bring to market the first composite materials based on large-tow intermediate modulus (IM) carbon fiber. These materials, which address the need to reduce costs and CO2 emissions, and improve the production process and fuel efficiency of next-generation commercial aircraft, will be based on SGL Carbon’s large-tow IM carbon fiber and Solvay’s primary structure resin systems.

The agreement encompasses both thermoset and thermoplastic composite technologies. It builds on Solvay’s leadership in supplying advanced materials to the aerospace industry and SGL Carbon’s expertise in high-volume carbon fiber manufacturing.

SGL Carbon and Solvay collaborate to develop highly-competitive advanced carbon fiber composites for aerospace primary structures

SGL Carbon and Solvay have entered into a joint development agreement (JDA) to bring to market the first composite materials based on large-tow intermediate modulus (IM) carbon fiber. These materials, which address the need to reduce costs and CO2 emissions, and improve the production process and fuel efficiency of next-generation commercial aircraft, will be based on SGL Carbon’s large-tow IM carbon fiber and Solvay’s primary structure resin systems.

The agreement encompasses both thermoset and thermoplastic composite technologies. It builds on Solvay’s leadership in supplying advanced materials to the aerospace industry and SGL Carbon’s expertise in high-volume carbon fiber manufacturing.

“For Solvay, this is an opportunity to lead the aerospace adoption of a composite material based on 50K IM carbon fiber. This is a highly competitive value proposition that brings more affordable high-performance solutions to our customers. We see this as the first step in a long-term partnership,” said Augusto Di Donfrancesco, member of Solvay’s executive committee.

“By combining SGL’s carbon fiber expertise in our newly developed, unique 50K IM fiber with Solvay’s resin formulation and aerospace market expertise, both partners are aiming to develop an advanced aerospace material system. This alliance supports our strategic direction and accelerates our growth in the attractive aerospace market,” said Dr. Michael Majerus, spokesman of the management board of SGL Carbon.

Composite materials for aerospace applications represent a multi-billion-dollar market that is expected to grow strongly in the coming decade. Solvay and SGL Carbon are uniquely positioned to develop solutions to address the needs of this market.

More information:
Solvay SGL Carbon Carbonfaser
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SGL CARBON SE

(c) Eric RAZ, Airbus Helicopters
25.11.2019

SGL Carbon serially delivers composite materials for rotor blades to Airbus Helicopters

  • Glass fiber textiles for helicopter type H145
  • First ever material supply for primary structural components in the aerospace segment

Since August of this year, SGL Carbon delivers two special glass fiber textiles, so-called non-crimped fabrics, for the new version of helicopter model H145 from Airbus Helicopters. These materials are used in the new, especially efficient five-blade rotor. Developed in close collaboration with Airbus Helicopters, the material has been qualified for the application for the next years to come.  

Thanks to their unidirectional fiber orientation, the fabrics are extremely resistant, providing optimal support for the new geometry of the especially long H145 rotor blades. The fabrics are manufactured at the SGL Carbon site in Willich near Düsseldorf in a multi-stage process and delivered to Airbus Helicopters in Paris.  

  • Glass fiber textiles for helicopter type H145
  • First ever material supply for primary structural components in the aerospace segment

Since August of this year, SGL Carbon delivers two special glass fiber textiles, so-called non-crimped fabrics, for the new version of helicopter model H145 from Airbus Helicopters. These materials are used in the new, especially efficient five-blade rotor. Developed in close collaboration with Airbus Helicopters, the material has been qualified for the application for the next years to come.  

Thanks to their unidirectional fiber orientation, the fabrics are extremely resistant, providing optimal support for the new geometry of the especially long H145 rotor blades. The fabrics are manufactured at the SGL Carbon site in Willich near Düsseldorf in a multi-stage process and delivered to Airbus Helicopters in Paris.  

“The order emphasizes our growing presence in the aerospace business. With the fabrics for Airbus Helicopters, we have realized, qualified, and started serial production for a material concept for primary structural components for the first time,” underscores Dr. Andreas Erber, Head of the Aerospace segment in the business unit Composites – Fibers & Materials at SGL Carbon.

The current deliveries are part of a framework contract with Airbus Helicopters, intended to gradually intensify collaboration. Besides the current development of materials for helicopter components, Airbus Helicopters and SGL Carbon have worked together in the area of component material processing for Airbus group aircraft doors for years. In addition, Airbus and SGL Carbon are jointly involved in various associations and research projects in the area of components, such as Carbon Composites e.V.

 

More information:
SGL Carbon
Source:

SGL CARBON SE