Schuler delivers 4,000

Schuler has announced the delivery of a 4,000-ton hydraulic compression press to the Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation (IACMI), Knoxville, Tenn. Part of the Manufacturing USA network, IACMI is expanding an R&D vehicle scale-up facility in Detroit with the technical goals of 25 percent lower costs for carbon fiber-reinforced plastics (CRFP), 50 percent reduction in CFRP embodied energy, and 80 percent CRFP recyclability into useful products.

The facility is operated by Michigan State University on behalf of IACMI. The Michigan Economic Development Corp., an IACMI charter member, also is providing financial support for the equipment purchase and infrastructure improvements.

The nonprofit institute’s technology focus areas are vehicle parts, wind turbine blades, and compressed gas storage. The press technology offers dynamic force control for reduced energy consumption, as well as reduced mold tryout and wear compensation for a fast development process. In addition, the congruent bending lines of the slide and table compensate for natural variations in process variables and materials.