Scaling resin transfer moulding for mainstream automotive applications
French company C-Inertia patented an RTM process that makes carbon wheels viable for mass production. With cycle times aligned to New Energy Vehicle (NEV) demands, the technology could drive wider adoption of lightweight composites in mainstream automotive.
Electric vehicle adoption and stringent emissions regulations are driving unprecedented demand for automotive lightweighting solutions. While carbon fibre wheels deliver compelling advantages up to 50% weight reduction compared to aluminium, their adoption has been constrained by manufacturing limitations and prohibitive costs. French technology company C-Inertia developed a proprietary RTM process that addresses these fundamental barriers, making carbon fibre wheels viable for mainstream automotive production. The process has now reached industrial maturity, with production lines delivering finished wheels that are tested, painted and installation-ready.
Breaking the manufacturing barrier
Traditional carbon fibre wheel production relies heavily on prepreg processes that require cold storage, meticulous hand layup and lengthy autoclave cure cycles. This approach delivers high-quality components but presents significant limitations for automotive-scale production. Cycle times are up to 12-24 hours per wheel, with substantial labour content and capital-intensive autoclave infrastructure, resulting in cost structures that are unsuitable for series automotive applications.
RTM represents a significant evolution in the way carbon wheels can be manufactured. At the beginning of the process, dry carbon fibre is positioned in the mould as cut plies shaped to anticipate complex wheel geometries.
Cover photo: C-Inertia
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