CompositesWorld
Issue link: https://cw.epubxp.com/i/620463
37 CompositesWorld.com NEWS N E W S N S N E W S E N W S W Turnkey Composites Manufacturing Read this article online | short.compositesworld.com/TurnkeySys Read more online about HP-RTM in "HP-RTM on the rise" | short.compositesworld.com/RTMup Read more about the composites molding process used in BMW's 7-Series online in "Wet compression molding" | short.compositesworld.com/wetcomp Read more online about how "Overmolding expands PEEK's range in composites" | short. compositesworld.com/PEEKover See overmolded thermoplastic composite parts from Lanxess and others online in the CW Blog "Eyecatchers at CAMX 2015" | short.compositesworld.com/EyeonCAMX from North America as well, aided by Dief- fenbacher's close cooperation with the Fraunhofer Project Center (London, ON, Canada). Luginger also sees a resurgence in SMC and LFT while new processes like wet compression molding ofer a fully auto- mated but more economical approach, currently in production at BMW for the 7-Series roof frames and other structures. Although Composite Alliance has supplied thermoplastic and thermoset composite systems, as well as integrated systems for automotive, it sees a near-term need for automated prepreg systems for aerospace. "We have added 'intelligent automation' to dry preform production for RTM," says Wierckx, "where robots pick and place plies, but also control positioning and check fber orientation via visual control systems. But we also have robots that can pick and fold plies, placing them into a 3D shape, and we are extending this to prepreg systems because we see that the industry is struggling to meet the production rates required for the current backlog of aircraft." And customers also will include material suppliers. Egger notes that Engel has supplied a machine equipped with an oven and automation for thermoplastic composite parts to SABIC (Pittsfeld, MA, US). "It's important that they work with the process themselves to get the mate- rials right for production," he explains. Engel has also delivered a lab unit to Bond Laminates, a division of Lanxess (Cologne, Germany). "So this is an indicator," says Egger. "Many requests about thermoplastic composites systems are starting, and there are real projects coming up, working with fabrics." Why does this signal the path forward for integrated systems? "We have to make composites technology as simple as we can and as manageable as we can for future workers," says Fries. "Simple and efcient is what injection molding is all about." Egger notes that Engel, Diefenbacher and Krauss- Mafei all have shown integrated turnkey systems since 2010, both thermoplastic and thermoset processes. "Now, it seems as though the business will really begin." W T F yoming est ixtures INC. 2960 E. Millcreek Canyon Road Salt Lake City, UT 84109 Phone (801) 484.5055 Fax (801) 484.6008 email: wtf@wyomingtestfixtures.com www.wyomingtestfixtures.com Dr. Donald F. Adams President Over 50 years of Composite Testing Experience • Over 40 types of fixtures in stock, ready to be shipped. • Expert consultation with Dr. Don and Dr. Dan • Email or call today to discuss your fixture and custom design needs. WHEN YOU NEED IT FAST...WE'VE GOT YOU COVERED! Laminate Bearing Test ASTM D 5961 Proc. A In Stock We carry over 40 types of fxtures in stock and available for immediate delivery, including the 5 models of the Laminate Bearing Fixture shown above. Ask about our next day delivery options on orders received by 1pm MST. Laminate Bearing Test ASTM D 5961 Proc. C In Stock Laminate Bearing Test ASTM D 5961 Proc. B In Stock Laminate Bearing Test SACMA Version In Stock Laminate Bearing Test ASTM D 953 In Stock CW senior editor Ginger Gardiner has an engineering/materials background and has more than 20 years of experience in the composites industry. ginger@compositesworld.com