JEC COMPOSITES MAGAZINE - Issue #63 - March 2011 - 79

Multi-sector

The pre-cut formats

How can you optimise your raw materials and increase your productivity? Richmond Aerovac introduces films pre-cut to your exact size requirements to improve the process of manufacturing composite parts. Automating film cutting guarantees better performance and reduces the risk of operator error. In addition to increasing productivity, formats also help to optimise the cost of raw materials due to the measured cutting system. Savings of up to 36% can be expected on the quantities of raw material compared with standard manual film cutting. Formats can be joined by sealant tape to create larger formats. They can also be supplied with sealant tape around the entire edge and integrated pleats (bladders with pre-fitted pleats). Benefits: - optimisation of raw materials, - time saving (when cutting the film, destroying the waste, etc.), - reduced waste, - easier handling (film supplied ready to use), - reduced recycling or disposal costs, - reduced risk of operator error through process standardisation.

Multi-sector

Fiberforge is a leading-edge technology company that focuses specifically on the design and production of advanced long-fibre-reinforced thermoplastic composite parts. The company has developed a breakthrough process to turn composite materials into finished parts faster, more efficiently and at a lower cost than ever before possible. Its leading markets are the aerospace, military, consumer electronics, medical and sporting-goods industries.

The Fiberforge process starts with the patented Relay Station, a state-of-the-art lay-up machine that produces Tailored Blanks. Tailored Blanks are flat multi-ply laminates of unidirectional prepreg tape where each layer can be rapidly laid up in unique configurations. To minimize cost, the Relay Station places material only where it is needed, significantly reducing scrap compared with other methods. In addition, the Relay Station utilizes high-speed automation to minimize labour and improve efficiency. All in all, the Fiberforge process offers customers the opportunity to take full advantage of the weight and performance benefits of thermoplastic composites, at higher volumes and lower cost than any other competing technology. www.fiberforge.com

Multi-sector

Leading-edge Fiberforge technology Vacuum process material distribution

> Booth J67

Self-sealing > Booth W64 permanent vacuum bag
> Booth T50
www.aerovac.fr

This new self-sealed permanent vacuum bag can be reused (100 cycles) on any lay-up tool (composite, aluminium, galvanized) without integrated vacuum sealing device/channel.

Multi-sector

> Booth N46

Flugzeug-Union Süd (FUS) is the official distributor for the Richmond/Aerovac range of vacuum bagging and tooling materials in Germany and other German-speaking countries. Aerovac vacuum bagging products include a cost-effective range of vacuum bagging films up to 12 m wide (Vacfilm 400Y, Vacfilm 450V…), reusable vacuum bagging systems with a silicone membrane, a complete range of consumable materials and tooling for the resin infusion process, and composite tooling. FUS has been distributing the Richmond products for more than 20 years. With the addition of the Aerovac product range, FUS can now offer to the composite industry the most complete range of vacuum process consumables from the leading manufacturers in this field, including high- and low-temperature vacuum films, release films, breathers and bleeders, reusable vacuum bagging systems, resin infusion materials and tooling, and Schnee Morehead® sealant tapes. Flugzeug-Union Süd GmbH (FUS) was founded in 1969 as a logistics and trading company of the former MBB (Messerschmitt-Bölkow Blohm GmbH). FUS is now a 100% subsidiary of EADS Deutschland GmbH.
www.fus-online.de

No63 March 2011 / jec composites magazine
www.piekenbrink.com

The benefits of this technology include: - 90% faster vacuum lay-up/evacuation process; - higher product safety due to the process reproducibility; - full autoclave compatibility; - usability with RTM Light; - lower cost because no foil and sealing-band (Tackytape) are used, making the bag environmentally friendly and thus eliminating waste disposal costs; - user-friendly application and removal, smoother product back face due to the absence of foil wrinkles; - curing temperature of up to 200°C for nearly all resin systems; - suitability in the composite industry for aircraft, automotive and sports applications and in any application requiring vacuumassisted moulding (applying leather on automotive interiors, etc.); - approval by Eurocopter and German Airbus Industry for the production of airworthy composites.

Special JEC Show 2011

http://www.aerovac.fr http://www.fiberforge.com http://www.fus-online.de http://www.piekenbrink.com

JEC COMPOSITES MAGAZINE - Issue #63 - March 2011

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