Dow launches Vorafuse, a new epoxy resin intermediate

The increased use of lightweight materials has prompted Dow Automotive Systems to develop a new line of epoxy resin intermediates. The Vorafuse family of resins combines carbon or glass fibers to accelerate cycle times and processing for lamination molding of automotive composite parts.

Epoxy-fiber composites are less dense, offering a competitive edge and the stiffness to function as traditional metal parts. Potential applications for Vorafuse are structural applications requiring strength, stiffness and lightweight construction.

To commercialize the roof bracket in 2016, Vorafuse is improving the laminate molding process to achieve fast cycle times. It can be processed within 2-5 minutes during high-volume production and can be applied in automatic production solutions. A variety of construction configurations are compatible with Vorafuse, including unidirectional tapes, wrinkle-free composites, and more.

Vorafuse has two specifications: Vorafuse P6300 and Vorafuse P6100. The Vorafuse P6300 resin system is used in high-volume production without robotic handling for 2D and 3D lamination molding. Vorafuse P6100 is designed to apply a variety of production process solutions such as high pressure and lower cost in low and medium production applications.

"OEM emissions and fuel efficiency requirements are expected to continue to increase, as will lightweight material applications," said Allan James, NAFTA Composites Market Manager, Dow Automotive Systems. "Vorafuse epoxy resin intermediates support mass production of high-strength automotive parts. Like other Dow automotive materials, it can be tailored to meet different production and performance needs in diverse applications."