PARIS – Magna International operating unit Magna Exteriors and Interiors (MEI), and its strategic development partner Zoltek, a global producer of commercial carbon fiber, have developed a new low-cost carbon fiber sheet molding compound (SMC), which the two companies say will offer best-in-class solutions for high-volume carbon fiber composites.
The two companies say this new solution can provide best-in-class carbon fiber composite parts and systems for high-volume automotive applications to support automakers’ lightweighting initiatives. The jointly developed carbon fiber SMC material uses Zoltek’s Panex 35 commercial carbon fiber combined with Magna’s unique EpicBlendSMC formulations and production expertise.
The material, named EpicBlendSMC EB CFS-Z, is part of MEI’s EpicBlendSMC product line and allows Magna to offer global manufacturers an expanded range of lightweight parts, sub-systems and semi-structural applications for automotive as well as commercial truck and other markets. Additionally, the EB CFS-Z sheet molding compound is for sale directly to molders through MEI.
MEI and Zoltek added that they have extensive core manufacturing capabilities to serve customers in both North America and Europe, minimizing the cost and need to import carbon fiber or precursor materials into these markets.
"We are working with global OEMs every day to develop lightweight solutions that help meet the increased fuel economy and decreased emissions of future vehicle programs," said Mike Andrews, VP of operations, Magna Exteriors and Interiors. "With our EB CFS-Z SMC technology, we are now meeting the requirements for high-volume applications that call for low-cost, high-performance carbon fiber materials."
