Resin

Glass fibre and polyester play a key role in LM Wind Power technology. Our starting point is low-cost materials that we can get to perform even better.
Epoxy, for example, is three times the price of polyester, and also requires a considerably more expensive production process, including heating the moulds. We have therefore decided to invest in “smart engineering”. Via research into design, materials and processes, we focus on optimising cheaper technology so that we can reduce the overall price of wind energy while at the same time maintaining the same good performance properties.

Shorter production time

Resin’s properties have an impact on both the efficiency of the process and the quality of the end product. We have therefore involved our suppliers in focused efforts to set out specifications for optimising resin for our own processes.

The most important features required are that the resin:

• is highly viscous
• hardens quickly 
• adheres well to the fibres 
• provides a laminate of high strength.

By combining optimisation of the resin with vacuum infusion, we have been able to create a very strong, uniform laminate with no air bubbles. We have also achieved more rapid hardening, which has reduced production time by several hours.

Same properties and quality worldwide

The more fine-tuned our processes become, the greater demands we place on our materials. When quality requirements are pushed to the limit, tolerances get smaller. Nevertheless, we must be able to rely on the same properties in the resin, glass fibre and other materials every time, and in every country. This can only be achieved by working closely with our suppliers, in a dialogue that benefits all parties by strengthening product development and our levels of know-how. We grow side by side with our working partners and jointly overcome the challenges that stem from our technical and geographical differences.