JEC COMPOSITES MAGAZINE - Issue #63 - March 2011 - 104

CNC machine
prior to being formed.
CNC machine with nominal size 3850 x 1500 x 700 mm. Due to the second vertical axis, it is possible to machine workpieces in a size of 2540 x 1270 x 700 mm all around with fife axis and with both vertical axis.

To this end, Geiss uses "smart" heating controllers, utilizing either quartz resistors or halogen lamps, in order to optimize temperature control. Forming is carried out using the machine’s two tables, which have a clamping force of 200-2000 kN as standard. Here again, Geiss can draw on its many years of experience in the manufacturing of twinsheet parts. The machine works as a semiautomatic machine with manual insertion. Automation options are also available in order to make the machine entirely automatic. The panels are inserted using suction cups or pincers, and the formed parts may be extracted automatically. The machine can be used for slow pressing or for other operations. In 2009, Geiss delivered a press with the corresponding moulds for forming composites such as carbon fibre, glass fibre, highly drawn polypropylene (Tegris), thermoplastic materials (injectionmoulded parts), etc.

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7.5 m/s (Y axis)). The motors are coupled with direct optical encoders, offering improved accuracy. The machine has no mechanical parts, such as clutch, belts, ball screw or pinion pins, which increases its life span and eliminates the need for maintenance. The machine shown here has two Z axes, one equipped with a milling spindle and the other with an ultrasonic cutting head. To facilitate tool changing, a tool loader has been installed, equipped with 12 milling tools and 7 ultrasonic cutting tools.

jec composites magazine / No63 March 2011
Founded in 1948, Geiss is represented in 40 countries and exports 70% of its products, with over 4,000 machines in operation the world over, and a 70% market share in Germany. The leader on its market, it is the only supplier to offer under the same roof the capability of proposing turnkey solutions for thermoforming, 5-axis machining and mould manufacturing.

It is also equipped with a Blum laser sensor for automatically measuring the direction of the cutting blades and the dimensions of the tool used. Furthermore, the front shuttle table facilitates the placement of a PE film on the honeycomb and its interstices, thus enabling the honeycomb to be held in place via suction. Generally speaking, a machine's accuracy cannot remain constant over a long period due to the influence of environmental, thermal and climatic factors. The following table shows the machine path tolerances guaranteed by Geiss. Having delivered at the end of 2009 the first machine for honeycomb to a Boeing supplier in the USA, Geiss engineers are currently finalizing the technical specifications of the next two machines that the customer, fully satisfied with the first one, wishes to order for the start of 2011.

Conclusion
Geiss recently carried out successful ultrasonic cutting tests on aramid fibres working at rates of up to 7.5 m/min, with a maximum test thickness of 15 mm. This material is used, in particular, in protection equipment for military vehicles. The company is capable of providing solutions for all the projects that come its way, since it maintains its capacity for innovation and can offer its customers solutions to their future needs. It is hardly surprising that most of its technologies are protected by no less than 37 European patents. n
More information: www.geiss-ttt.com mail@geiss-ttt.com contact@pma-onlines.com

Focus...

Composite materials contain thermoplastics that need to be heated

http://www.geiss-ttt.com

JEC COMPOSITES MAGAZINE - Issue #63 - March 2011

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of JEC COMPOSITES MAGAZINE - Issue #63 - March 2011