FINISHING

Reduce cost, decrease weight and improve quality – with the optimal finishing you can get a competitive edge

Finishing refers to the machining of structural core materials. You can choose from a wide range of cuts, grooves and perforations in different patterns, each serving a specific purpose for form or flow.

Why finishing?

Depending on the geometry, manufacturing process or specific component requirements, the selected finishing will have an important part to play in a successful result.

• Formability to adapt to mould surface
• Lower weight with the right grooves and perforations
• Faster and secure resin flow in the vacuum infusion process
• Ensures air evacuation in vacuum infusion or vacuum bonding operations
• Improves surface finish of final parts

Most Diab finishes for flow also bring financial savings, since there is no need for an additional flow medium to achieve a good flow and wet-out of fibres. Also, the number of resin inlets can be reduced due to the excellent flow characteristics acquired in the proven design of grooves and perforations.

Why finishing from Diab?

Diab is a world-leading supplier of sandwich core materials, with long experience in developing finishing solutions. With in-depth technical knowledge in most manufacturing methods for composites, we understand what criteria are essential for the finishing to fit the purpose. We select the most appropriate one from our wide selection of finishes for form or flow, based on the requirements.

Thin sheets and tight tolerances

Diab also offers an innovative core-slitting technology to cut the material into extremely thin sheets with very tight tolerances. The benefits include a very smooth surface finish, 3D formability and decreased resin uptake – up to 30% depending on the core type and grade. Contact Diab to find out more about this option, which is suitable for extremely lightweight applications. 

Selecting the optimal finishing
The complexity of the component and the curvature of the mould influence which core finishing fits best into the mould shape, with a minimum of spring-back and reduced resin consumption. Together with the geometry and expected performance of the product, it is crucial to analyze the finishing used for each manufacturing method. The manufacturing process defines what finishing for form and flow we will use.