Pultrusion is a continuous process for the manufacture of composite structures. Parts feature a constant cross-section and are made by pulling continuous reinforced fibers through a resin bath, optionally followed by a separate preforming system, and into a heated die, where the resin undergoes polymerization as the reinforcements are pulled through the die. Resin types typically include polyester, polyurethane, vinyl ester and epoxy. Pultrusion is particularly effective in production of long, relatively narrow parts used as reinforcing members or ribs in a larger structure.
According to a report by the coalition Transportation for America (Washington, DC, US), titled The Fix We’re In For: The State of our Nation’s Busiest Bridges, there are 69,223 structurally deficient highway bridges in the U.S. alone — 11.5% of all US highway bridges — that require rehabilitation or replacement.
KraussMaffei (Hall 6, F61) is featuring several composites manufacturing technologies, covering wet molding, pultrusion, long fiber injection and overmolding.
