CompositesWorld
Issue link: https://cw.epubxp.com/i/517026
JUNE 2015 40 CompositesWorld FEATURE / REINFORCED THERMOPLASTICS the composites industry. "TPRC provides an opportunity for open discussion with key players, and trials of new materials and equip- ment in a confdential environment, that is a real beneft for us," says chief technical ofcer and company co-founder Alexandre Hamlyn. "We appreciate the focus only on thermoplastics, which keeps the research focused." Coriolis uses readily available, of-the-shelf robotic elements and integrates them with company-designed heads and software Realizing robotic capabilities A technician guides a Coriolis thermoplastic tape-laying robot through a fat demonstration panel. The robot heads can be confgured to lay thermoplastic- or thermoset-impregnated or dry tapes, and can come equipped with the correct heating element and the capability to apply the compression force appropriate for each type of material. Source | CW / Photo | Jef Sloan Part prototyping & testing In addition to its TPRC activities, Coriolis also operates a prototyping, testing and design service for its customers, including trials of part layup with a robotic setup, as shown here. Source | CW / Photo | Jef Sloan Robots + thermoplastics = new markets Processing thermoplastics rapidly is another key component of TPRC's mission. Automated work cells, such as those produced by Tier 2 member Pinette Emidecau, speed the thermoforming of blanks for relatively simple part shapes. For more complex shapes, fber placement and automated tape placement technology holds promise. TPRC member and robotic fber placement specialist Coriolis Composites has its eye on bringing greater automation to A N N I V E R S A R Y 0 2 HPC Charter Advertiser