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S-Ply® leaf springs
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S-Ply® is the registered name for composite leaf springs manufactured by Prause Durotec.
The reinforcing material has a strictly parallel-oriented, non-interlaced glass- or carbon fiber texture. The fibers are neither pre-stretched nor bent. Unlike metallic materials with isotropic texture they are subject to direction and, therefore, capable of being aligned into a structure that is appropriate for the material involved.
Epoxy resin compounds serve as binding agents. Their particularly balanced composition ensures high adhesiveness to the glass fiber surface, followed by optimal dynamic and electric properties. The ratio of matrix resin and reinforcement fibers has been chosen so as to profit from all benefits of the raw materials selected to form a composite.
The matrix fulfils a number of important tasks. It serves for fixing the fiber in the desired arrangement and for supporting it against folding when under compressive stress. Apart from that, it has a power carrying and a power transmission function, thus transmitting the forces applied into the fibers. Hence, the polymer matrix bears a decisive effect on the tenacity and the tolerance to damage of the composites.
S-Ply® leaf springs consist of layered and jointly pressed UD–prepreg layers. The mechanical properties of S-Ply® leaf springs can get adjusted to customer needs by orientation of different prepreg layers to each other during manufacturing.
Mechanical processing of S-Ply® leaf springs occurs by CNC-controlled saws, milling- and drilling machines, whereat exclusively diamond- and carbide equipped tools come into operation. Most important characteristics of high performance S-Ply® leaf springs:
1. S-Ply® leaf springs are endued with a high elasticity energy retention capacity (low modulus of elasticity), linked to high mechanical strength. Effect: In comparison with steel leaf springs a clearly higher specific resilience, a higher interior damping and a more balanced springing behaviour with multiple larger retention capacity of elastic energy than spring steel. 2. The mechanical properties of S-Ply® leaf springs can get adjusted to variable applications by orientation of different prepreg layers to each other. Effect: The overall available mechanical strength concentrates exactly there, where its needed. This means an ideal adaptation of the spring to the strain. 3. S-Ply® leaf springs are endued with a balanced ratio of mechanical strength and weight. Further attributes are high fatigue strength with “fail-safe-characteristics”, corrosion resistance, notched bar strength as well as electrical insulation. Effect: These features allow mechanical and dynamic highly stressed constructions. |
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