CompositesWorld
Issue link: https://cw.epubxp.com/i/866813
SEPTEMBER 2017 38 CompositesWorld SHOW PREVIEW Composites technology for infrastructure rehabilitation The National Science Foundations' Center for Integration of Composites into Infrastructures (CICI) at West Virginia University (WVU, Morgantown, WV, US) is emphasizing its advanced fiber- reinforced polymer (FRP) composites and techniques for rapid repair, upgrading, rehabilitation or replacement of highway, railway, waterway, bridge, building, pipeline and other structures. The primary objective of the center is to usher innovative new applications and cost-effective rehabilitation schemes using composites in civil and military structures, through collaborative research between member universities in collab- oration with the composites and construction industries. Booth A74. Further, WVU's Dr. Liang will conduct a conference session on Thursday, Sept. 14, 9:00-9:45 a.m. in W209C, titled, "Fixing Aging Infrastructure Using Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites." In it, he will introduce the Center for Integration of Composites into Infrastructure (CICI) and present a dozen case studies where FRP composites are used to fix the aging infrastructure systems that have demonstrated innova- tion, design flexibility, performance and cost-effectiveness. The session also will solicit market needs from composites industries and owners of infrastructure systems and call for participation in CICI's Industrial Advisory Board. Further, CICI is collaborating with the ACMA and the Chinese Society for Composites Materials (CSCM, Beijing, China) to promote bilateral collaboration among composites industries. There will be a discussion meeting at CAMX 2017 focusing on US-China partner- ship development. Nanjing Fenghui of Composite Material Co. Ltd. (Nanjing, China), an Industry Advisory Board (IAB) member of CICI, will also conduct a workshop titled, "Transportation Applications of Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites in China," while Prof. Hota Gangarao, director of CICI, will present a technical paper titled, "Glass-Polymer Composite High Pressure Pipes and Joints." www.iucrc.org Prepreg & towpreg machinery Century Design Inc. (CDI, San Diego, CA, US), a global supplier of prepreg machines and specialty composite processing equipment, is launching new research prepreg and towpreg machines in Booth G47. The CD6010 Combination Prepreg Machine, developed with ease of use, scalability and cost-effectiveness in mind, is CDI's new research prepreg machine. It has a small footprint, enabling its instal- lation in a range of research facilities, yet it retains the full capability of the company's larger production prepreg lines. Features include the following: • Intuitive, automated controls that incorporate processing recipes to improve batch-to-batch consistency and reduce operator training. • A reverse roll coater that supports advanced hot-melt systems. • A combination machine that can make resin films and prepreg. • Elevated processing temperature capability for a wider range of resin systems. • Five modes to cover different material configurations. • Easy-to-operate HMI interface with data collection for process verification. The CD6009 Research TowPreg Machine was developed for ease of processing of towpreg for high accuracy and consistency. It provides towpreg samples for testing and analysis and the following additional features: • Enclosed impregnation zone for improved process control and repeatability • Impregnation control that ensures full impregnation and resin content accuracy. • Multiple temperature zones in the impregnation area to support a range of resin systems and processes. Optional transverse rewinder available. Booth G47. www.centurydesign.com AFP and ATL applications software CGTech (Irvine, CA, US) will demonstrate the latest version of its VERICUT Composites Applications. Featured are VERICUT Composite Simulation (VCS) and VERICUT Composite Programming (VCP). Booth R51. Visitors can get a firsthand view of the steps needed to get from a CAD model of a composite part to producing and simulating CNC programs that drive automated fiber placement (AFP) and automated tape laying (ATL) machines. CGTech notes that due to the extensive time, energy, and labor invested in composite workpieces prior to machining, they often can be more expensive than some exotic metal alloy parts. Further, says CGTech, repairing composite workpieces after a machining error is problematic and, many times, not feasible. Thus, validating the part program prior to trimming is critical. At the CGTech booth (R51), current customer projects highlighted include use of robots, lasers, probing and ultrasonic knives. Information on new projects highlights the implementation and use of machine-independent offline NC programming software for AFP and ATL machines, such as the work being done at NASA's Langley Research Center using a 16-tow Electroimpact (Mukilteo, WA, US) AFP machine. Booth F72. The company also is showing the latest version of its VERICUT CNC machine simulation, verification and optimization software. VERICUT enables users to eliminate the process of manually proving out NC programs, simulates all types of CNC machining — including drilling and trimming of composite parts — waterjet, riveting, robotics, mill/turn and parallel kinematucs. VERICUT runs as a standalone but can be integrated with most CAM systems. www.cgtech.com | www.electroimpact.com