JEC COMPOSITES MAGAZINE - Issue #63 - March 2011 - 92

moulding

Schematic drawing of the autonomous mould

bonding without prior treatment, enabling substantial productivity gains (shorter cycles, less elaborate facilities, lower labour requirements). It also applies coatings to the mould cavity to shorten mould-release and cleaning times.

energy costs, since the cost of heating is directly proportional to the mass that must be regulated. To optimize the heat regulation system, Compose makes use of heat simulation to embed sensors in strategic areas of the mould (hot and cold points). The composite industry is changing rapidly. Production rates are on the rise and both energy consumption and production costs are decreasing. To fulfil this potential, Compose’s moulds integrate more and more functions in order to meet market expectations. Integrating the mould into its environment can lead to considerable gains in terms of energy consumption, productivity and investment.

Energy-saving heating systems

More complex mould kinematics

92 jec composites magazine / No63 March 2011

Traditionally, the mould heat is regulated either by the press platens or in Gluing elements together to build an an oven. While this type of regulation is assembly reduces the performance of efficient, it consumes a lot of energy composite parts, as it creates a break in without guaranteeing uniform heat fibre continuity that can have negative throughout the mould cavity. Compose effects on the performance of the final designs a specific autonomous heating part. The use of 3D preforms solution considerably improves the characteristics directly into of moulded parts. As things are now, the mould. however, the tabs required for mould The solution release are removed manually. might be: To facilitate moving into the age of long- convective run production of high-performance (circulating composites at high production rates, water, oil, hot Compose offers its customers moulds air, or that integrate moving parts (tabs, slide steam), valves, ejectors) to enable the production - conductive of more complex parts in less moulding (heated by a time. ceramic or by cartridge Always more functional heaters), integration - via radiation Heating system based on optimized fluid heat transfer Before being assembled, the composite (infrared, parts often require finishing steps such as electric or gas sandblasting or trimming. These powered), Optimizing heat regulation can cut the operations are costly in terms of time and - inductive, or mould’s energy footprint in half, and consumables, and also require a lot of - via integrated inserts made using direct integrating the post-treatment functions qualified labour. metal laser sintering (conformal heating and servo-controlling the mould-release Compose treats areas of the mould cavity & cooling). functions can increase productivity by to create surfaces that will be ready for Optimizing mass is essential for reducing up to 15%. With moulds that do not require presses and handling systems, More information investment in peripheral equipment can Compose provides turnkey solutions for the production of plastic and composite parts. It has drop by as much as 30%. Autonomous 85 employees and 9 million euros in turnover, 8% of which is invested in R&D. moulds guarantee sustainable and highThe company is certified ISO 9001, EN 9100 and AQAP 2110 (Edition 3). yielding production because they are easy Compose’s dynamic R&D programme helps the company stay on the cutting edge. Its twoto use and install at reasonable investment engineer R&D department participates in a number of regional, national and European cost. n collaborative projects. It also works on private projects with the company’s customers. To add
to its expertise, Compose has developed long-term partnerships with competitive clusters and engineering schools, and also industrial partnerships. More information: www.compose-tools.com

http://www.compose-tools.com

JEC COMPOSITES MAGAZINE - Issue #63 - March 2011

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