【Fundamentals of Press Forming and the Importance of Thermal Control】
Press forming is a processing method in which pressure is applied to deform a material into a specified shape. In composite material molding, however, temperature control is critically important.
Hot press and cold press methods are selected according to molding conditions and product objectives.
Particularly for thermoplastic composites such as CFRTP (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Thermoplastic Plastics), controlling flexibility during heating and solidification during cooling greatly affects product precision and mass productivity.

【Characteristics of Hot Press Molding】
Hot press molding is performed with heated dies. By heating the material, the resin melts and forms an integrated structure that tightly bonds with the reinforcing fibers.
Main features:
Suitable for molding prepreg and nonwoven materials
Capable of forming complex shapes such as foamed structures and variable wall thickness designs
Supports high-performance resins such as PEEK with heating control exceeding 400°C
Kawamura Kikai Co., Ltd. operates a 200-ton hot press machine equipped with a heat & cool control unit, enabling high-temperature precision molding.

【Characteristics of Cold Press Molding】
Cold press molding is performed at room temperature or relatively low temperatures.
Main features:
Suitable for pre-formed or reprocessed materials
Effective for finishing processes and trimming operations

【How to Select Between Hot Press and Cold Press in Composite Molding】
It is important to choose the appropriate method depending on product specifications and application requirements.
High-precision finishing: Hot press
Mass production molding: Cold press
Temperature-sensitive materials such as biomass resins: Low-temperature hot press
Trimming and secondary forming: Hot press or cold press, depending on conditions
For example, materials containing bio-based resins such as PLA or PA11 require strict temperature control to prevent thermal degradation. Kawamura Kikai can design optimal molding conditions based on these temperature characteristics.

【Composite Molding Equipment】
To support composite molding, the company is equipped with:
200-ton hot press machine (maximum die size: 1200 × 1500 mm)
Heaters compatible with PEEK
Heat & cool temperature control unit (exceeding 400°C)

【Advantages in Product Development】
By properly utilizing both hot press and cold press methods, the following benefits can be achieved:
Stable product quality and improved accuracy
Optimized molding cycles for enhanced productivity
Greater design flexibility and capability for complex shapes
Support for recyclability and biomass materials
Compatibility with various materials such as chopped fiber, nonwoven, sliver, and UD tape
Especially in the early stages of composite adoption, repeated trial and error is essential to determine optimal conditions. Kawamura Kikai provides integrated support from material selection and die adjustment to molding trials.

【Conclusion】
Hot press and cold press molding each have distinct strengths and characteristics. To maximize the performance of composite products, it is essential to select the appropriate method according to product specifications and material properties.
Kawamura Kikai leverages advanced temperature control systems and decades of forming expertise to deliver precise, high-performance composite products. From condition design based on material characteristics to prototyping and evaluation, we provide comprehensive support—please feel free to contact us.

【Contact Information】
Kawamura Kikai Co., Ltd.
Head Office: 2-4 Shimizu-cho, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo
Hanazono Factory: 10 Kita-ne, Fukaya-shi, Saitama-ken
URL: https://www.kawamura-kikai.co.jp

〈For Consultation & Quotations〉
Contact Form: https://www.kawamura-kikai.co.jp/contact/

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