Läpple Automotive produces on behalf of C-CON GmbH the CFRP hood of the new and exclusive BMW M4 GTS. And the high-performance vehicle does not only a visual highlight – it also has great values inside: numerous carbon components guarantee optimal weight distribution. The weight of the carbon fiber hood by Läpple Automotive was significantly reduced due to the material used.

The hood of the limited BMW M4 GTS is completely made of CFRP. Läpple Automotive produces the outer part, the inner part and glues them together with various amplifying parts made of CFRP in a body shop facility.

The project was implemented in cooperation with the responsible general contractor C-CON GmbH and the material specialist Cytec Solvay. From the beginning of the project to the automated production a close cooperation was given to ensure that materials and manufacturing process are perfectly matched.

For the first order of carbon fiber parts in the company's history, Läpple Automotive has set up an approach to building the components on conventional presses. All process steps have been redefined. For the production of the hood a pressing process is used, which allows an economical and at the same time mass-process-suitable usage of lightweight material. In the process components of already impregnated carbon fiber semi-finished products are produced. A simple die can be used, which gives a clear cost advantage.

This pressing process gives Läpple Automotive also the opportunity to use the expertise in the field of sheet metal forming for the production of CFRP components.

In order to offer customers the right solutions for forming and joining lightweight material, the expansion of expertise in this area is focused by Läpple Automotive. The core competence are various hot and warm forming operations for material such as high-strength aluminum alloys, magnesium, carbon fiber-reinforced plastics or hybrid materials. In addition, innovative joining techniques are used to connect different material components.

This summer Läpple Automotive also opens an own lightweight technology center in Heilbronn. In future future there will be customized and production-based trials and tests carried out together with customers. Läpple Automotive accompanies the entire process from customer inquiry through the project conception until realization.