Cutting of Composites

Fibre composite materials: When cutting and punching becomes too difficult - laser cutting will help

Delcotex is specialised in the production of all kinds of technical textiles. With almost 300 years of textile experience, Delcotex has focused on the production of prepregs for the automotive and other transport sectors in recent years. When ist composite materials have to be cut, Delcotex recommends laser cutting systems from the Lüneburg-based company eurolaser.

Compared to conventional materials, thermoplastic prepregs can save a lot of weight and costs, while optimising the stability of components. However, the high degree of stability of the fabric has also a disadvantage: conventional knives or punches are becoming dull very quickly during usage. Consequently, this results in the recommendation from Delcotex to cut materials with laser cutters from eurolaser. 'Laser cutting gets ahead where other tools fail', says Mr Thomas Armbruster, Head of Marketing and Product Management at eurolaser.

The new material DeliComp now enables laser cutting of prepregs

Mr Carl Mrusek, Head of Business Development at Delcotex: 'Our prepregs are so stable, that the mechanical cutting with knives or punches does not work. The tools would be dull in a minimum of time. Economical cutting is only possible with a water jet or a laser. We are pleased with the laser cutting system from eurolaser as water jet cutting brings another hurdle with it. Damp edges have to be dried, which will take up to 24 hours again to dry before our customers can then, continue with the further processing of the prepregs. With the laser, the prepregs can now be cut quickly, precisely and, above all, drily. Besides, there is practically no wear of the laser.'

Only possible with laser - extremely clean and filigree cutting edges

As the laser cuts the materials which need to be cut by ablation, i.e. by heating, the plastic components in the material tissue create a cleanly glued and sealed edge. By using conventional cutting methods, such as knives or punches, the edges do not stick and can fray. This is particularly important for materials that are used, for instance, for bullet-proof and puncture-proof clothing for the police or the armed forces. These must not tear during load. However, the focus in the automotive industry is also safe, non-fraying composite fibre materials. The reason is that the components that are made by using Delcotex materials must of course, despite the weight saved, not lose any of their durability and longevity compared to materials made of metal.

Good for the environment: save weight with Delcotex and eurolaser

'Especially in the course of the Fridays for Future movement and the great public interest in climate and environmental protection, weight reductions and the associated savings in fuel consumption and thus, reduced CO² emissions are more relevant than before,' said Mr Thomas Armbruster. 'The composite materials from Delcotex help automotive manufacturer in particular to save massive amounts of weight in the crucial areas without having to forego the necessary material properties, such as stability and durability.' Besides, thermoplastic prepregs, which are largely made of fibreglass and polypropylene, are, compared to their expensive brother carbon, suitable for large-volume series use. Thanks to the contactless, force-free cutting, car manufacturers and especially their suppliers can save time and tool costs as well as the effort involved in assembly. Together, Delcotex and eurolaser not only ensure a better Environment for their users with the help of weight savings and process optimisation, but above all, by lower operating and production costs.

Proven Tandem: eurolaser and Delcotex

Delcotex recommends eurolaser laser cutting Systems to its customers. The industrial laser cutters are not only reliable, the are also durable. 'In addition to being more economical than mechanical cutting, this also helps to save money in production,' say Mr Thomas Armbruster. 'In return, we at eurolaser regularly test new technical textiles from Delcotex. We issue certificats of which materials can be with which of our laser cutting Systems. In addition, we also recommend the corresponding cutting speeds of the laser machines to our customers.'

About Delcotex: Technical Textiles Made In Germany

DELCOTEX develops, optimises and produces technical textiles taking into account international standards for different branches of industry. With a total of 150 employees at the production site in Bielefeld, innovative textile solutions are developed and woven for the European market. With extensive state-of-the-art machinery, consistent customizing of development, Technology and organisation as well as the principles of adherence to deadlines and economic efficiency, DELCOTEX has grown to become the market leader in Europe.

About eurolaser

Powerful laser systems: first-class laser technology for cutting and engraving of non-metals. eurolaser is one of the world's leading manufacturers of laser machines for cutting, engraving and marking. From advice via sampling of the material through to user training and global service, eurolaser offers comprehensive support to ist customers. Perfect service from a single source.