PCM – Prepreg Compression Molding Press Systems by Langzauner
PCM – Prepreg Compression Molding by Langzauner stands for precise, efficient and reproducible composite manufacturing at the highest level. We design and manufacture customized PCM press systems in various sizes, degrees of automation and equipment variants – tailored to your components, cycle times and quality requirements. For over 100 years, Langzauner has stood for Austrian engineering excellence, precision and reliability – Engineered & Made in Austria.
What is Prepreg Compression Molding (PCM)?
Prepreg Compression Molding (PCM) is a forming and curing process for pre-impregnated fibre semi-finished products, so-called prepregs (pre-impregnated materials). Under defined pressure and temperature conditions, extremely lightweight, high-strength composite components with excellent surface quality are created.
Advantages of the process:
- Maximum component performance through optimal fibre-matrix distribution
- Reproducible series quality through controlled process parameters
- High dimensional accuracy and flawless surfaces
- Ideal for functional integration such as inserts, ribs or connection elements
PCM is the preferred technology when low weight, strength and precision are critical – such as in the automotive, aerospace or sports industries.
Typical process steps in Prepreg Compression Molding
- Cutting & conditioning ofthe prepregs
The prepregs are supplied as roll material, cut to the required format, and the prepared stacks are temporarily stored and cooled if necessary. - Placing into the mold
Automated handling systems – ranging from pick-and-place units to 6-axis robots – precisely position the conditioned layers in the mold. This ensures reproducible laminate structures and short cycle times. - Consolidation under pressure & temperature
In the servo-hydraulic press, compaction and curing take place under precisely controlled process parameters. Adjustable heating and cooling zones ensure homogeneous temperature distribution throughout the component. - Cooling phase
A precisely controlled cooling system – optionally using oil, water, or electric systems – ensures a controlled temperature reduction without distortion or internal stress in the material. In the hot-in-hot-out process, this cooling step is skipped to achieve maximum process speed and efficiency. - Demolding, trimming & quality inspection
After demoulding, post-processing is carried out by milling, water-jet cutting or punching. Inline vision systems, weight checks and component identification secure the quality of every single part. - Documented traceability via component ID
All process data are captured in real time and documented via MES or ERP interfaces. This ensures full traceability of each component – a key factor for quality assurance, audit readiness and sustainable production processes.
REQUEST BROCHURE
Advantages of Langzauner PCM Press Systems
Langzauner PCM systems are designed for stability, efficiency and traceability. Each system is individually configured to your production requirements and delivers reproducible quality in series production.
Your benefits at a glance:
- Customized series solutions with a high degree of automation
- Highest dimensional and process stability for prepreg components
- Short cycle times thanks to precise temperature and pressure control
- Reproducible series quality with complete traceability
- Turn-key systems including press, tool tempering, handling, pre-heating and quality assurance: from planning to commissioning.
- Energy-efficient, CE-compliant and user-friendly
The combination of hydraulic expertise, intelligent control technology and data-based process management makes every Langzauner press a reliable key component of your composite production. Our team delivers tailored series solutions from concept to commissioning. International customers rely on our 100-year experience in special plant engineering and on our solution competence for special requirements and specific specifications.
Energy efficiency as a key quality
Langzauner is a specialist for energy-efficient PCM systems – a key quality in times of rising energy costs and increasing cost pressure.
Energy-efficient PCM solutions from Langzauner thanks to:
- Servo-hydraulic drives: up to 75 % cost reduction compared with conventional hydraulics.
- Short cycle times: lower energy consumption per component thanks to optimized cycle times.
- Optimized heating systems and insulation: zone-controlled heating elements for uniform heat distribution and minimal losses.
- Energy recovery from waste heat
This not only reduces production costs but also significantly lowers resource consumption. In addition to economic efficiency, energy efficiency is increasingly becoming a strategic sustainability factor: it is no longer an added benefit but a basic requirement for competitive and sustainable PCM manufacturing – vital for production costs, process stability and acceptance in modern supply chains.
Typical applications and industries
Langzauner PCM systems are used in every industry where lightweight, durable and visually high-quality components are manufactured.
Typical application areas of our PCM systems:
- Automotive & e-mobility: structural parts, underbody protection, crash elements
- Aerospace: interior panels, secondary structural components
- Sport & lifestyle: helmets, rackets, bicycle components
- Industry: covers, housings and technical functional components
Thanks to customized solutions, precise process management and flexible automation, our PCM press systems can be seamlessly integrated into existing production lines.
Modular system for your composite production
Langzauner offers tailored PCM solutions based on a modular system that covers all steps of prepreg processing seamlessly – from pre-heating through pressing to quality assurance.
Each system is individually configured and precisely aligned to the requirements of the component, material and production volume.
Components of modular PCM systems
Press technology:
- Hydraulic presses from 10 – 100,000 kN pressing force
- Adjustable heating and cooling zones with oil, water or electric systems
- Homogeneous temperature distribution for uniform curing
Tooling & process integration:
- Multi-circuit tempering with ΔT control and leakage monitoring
- Pre-heating and pre-forming stations (infrared, circulating air, contact)
- Handling solutions with roller conveyors, pick & place or 6-axis robots
Post-processing & quality assurance:
- Deburring, milling, water-jet cutting, punching
- Inline data acquisition, vision systems, weight control, component ID
- Full documentation via MES or ERP interfaces
From customized modules, a highly networked PCM production line emerges step by step, ensuring maximum cost-effectiveness, sustainability and quality in your composite manufacturing.
H2: Technical highlights at a glance
Langzauner combines high-end press technology with innovative control and regulation technology.
- Homogeneous tool and component temperatures
- Pressure and position control with high parallelism (≤ 0.05 mm, application-dependent)
- Variable-speed drives and heat recovery for energy efficiency
- Ergonomic control concepts and CE-compliant safety
- Low-particle execution – optionally clean-room capable
The features of Langzauner PCM solutions guarantee stable processes, consistent product quality and high cost-effectiveness – even for demanding series applications.
Automation and digitalization
Langzauner PCM systems are consistently designed for digital process control and traceability to support digital Industry 4.0 manufacturing processes:
Functions at a glance:
- Recipe-controlled process management for maximum reproducibility
- Component traceability via QR-code or RFID
- Integration with higher-level MES and ERP systems
- Condition monitoring for predictive maintenance
- Remote support and real-time data analytics
This captures, documents and archives all production and quality data transparently – the basis for intelligent manufacturing processes. With Langzauner perfectDATA we offer a powerful tool for shop-floor digitalization.
Why Langzauner is the right partner for PCM
Langzauner unites press manufacturing, automation, quality assurance and IT integration in one overall system.The result: turn-key solutions that combine highest performance with maximum reliability.
What distinguishes Langzauner:
- Turn-key competence: press, automation, QA and IT – from planning to commissioning from a single source.
- Experience: over a century of know-how in special plant engineering
- Vertical integration: over 90% of components are manufactured in-house
- Quality: premium components and precise manufacturing „Made in Austria“
- Flexibility: bespoke special solutions rather than standard systems
Langzauner supports you with experience and commitment on the path to your customized Prepreg Compression Molding press system – from process development to commissioning.
PCM press systems for maximum performance
With a PCM system from Langzauner you ensure
- reproducible component quality
- efficient process flows
- full control over every stage of production
