JEC COMPOSITES MAGAZINE - Issue #79 - March 2013 - 72

Multi-sector

JEC Europe 2013
Tools for special composite applications

> Booth M69

Combined ATL and AFP machines

> Booth V80

Multi-sector

Producers of advanced composite parts typically have a dilemma when
purchasing a lay-up machine, being forced to either pick fibre placement or tape placement technology. Rarely both are offered, and when
they are, it is at a much higher cost and complexity in operation. Together
with the lack of software to ease the complex programming, the producer
struggles to make both technologies work, typically ending up with a single
method for a part. Mikrosam AD has already delivered ATL and AFP machines around the world, and is now combining both technologies in a single
product, significantly easing the ability to program and lay-up parts. The
company offers a new line of automated placement machines that are able
to apply both technologies – ATL and AFP – on a single mandrel, without
complex and timely head switching. This means there is no down-time to
change from one placement method to another, since both lay-up heads
work independently of each other. Together with its unique MikroPlace
advanced composite programming software, the producer is able to program both technologies from a single PC, and run the program on a single
machine interface. The machines are offered either in the robust, gantrystyle dual lay-up head, or as a multi-robot lay-up platform for extra parallel
processing.
www.mikrosam.com

FRP composite asset management reference manual

JMC Composites Ltd. has identified a lack of complete technical reference documents for FRP asset operators. So, in early 2013, they will be
launching a new FRP Composite Asset Management Reference Manual
which has never been produced before. The manual will be compiled by
industry experts including eminent composite consulting engineers, James
Quinn and Michael Garnish. The manual will consist of a suite of technical
documents to assist the operator of FRP assets to specify, install, maintain,
inspect and repair pipe systems, storage & process tanks and pultruded access
structures. It will be specifically targeted at operators of power stations, water
distribution, waste water treatment, chemical process plant, hydro-electric
schemes, etc. It will also include a comprehensive introduction to FRP composites detailing materials, processes and properties of FRP. In addition, an
extensive key supplier directory will outline the capabilities, skills and experience of providers of materials, equipment, products and services. Interested
suppliers are invited to include their details in the directory at very competitive rates. The book will be launched at JEC Europe 2013.
www.jmccomposites.co.uk

72 jec composites magazine / No79 March 2013

Multi-sector

Due to their centre cutting end teeth, PROFILE CUT tools are specially designed for the profiling of
complex honeycomb parts and structures where plunging operations are possible. These tools are also
available with ball nose to facilitate a smooth radius. With their combination of radial and axial teeth,
PROFILE CUTs are optimized for application on 3-axis machines which only allow a tilted spindle
head in one direction or not at all. They can also be used on 5-axis milling machines.
All PROFILE CUT tools are made of high-quality solid carbide. If necessary, they can optionally be
coated with Neuhauser’s patented PVD multilayer coating. The FOAM CUT tools are designed to machine solid foams and foam-potted honeycombs. With their ball nose geometry, these tools are designed
for machining on 5-axis machines. These high-performance cutters have an aggressive tooth geometry
with high rake angles and wide flutes to facilitate chip flow and to meet all feed requirements. The unequal
tooth pitch prevents vibrations and enables an excellent surface finish. All FOAM CUT tools are made of
HSS cobalt powdered metal (PM). Additionally, performance and tool life are increased by using an appropriate coating: the patented
multilayer PVD coating for wear protection, that also prevents sticking.
www.neuhaeuser-controx.com

New ultra-low styrene
content spray gelcoat

> Booth V18

At JEC Europe 2013, Scott Bader is launching the
new Crystic Ecogel S1PA, a unique technology ‘ultralow styrene content’ spray gelcoat developed for use
in general moulding, transportation, wind energy and
building applications.
Independent
laboratory tests
have proven
that Crystic
Ecogel S1PA
can cut total
styrene emissions by over
55%, compared to using
a standard
technology
polyester spray gelcoat when sprayed using extraction
equipment with an air flow rate of 5000m3/hr. This new
low-styrene gelcoat technology will be explained in a
JEC open forum technical presentation at 3pm on March
13th.
Key features: Very low VOC emissions in both dynamic
(airless spray) and static (gelation) phases; spray application using the same techniques and equipment as
standard gelcoats; cures with a standard MEKP catalyst; excellent adhesion to UP and VE resins; good UV
resistance, suitable for external applications; and, high
long-term gloss finish.
Key customers have trialled Ecogel, including LM Wind
Power, who now uses Scott Bader’s ultra-low styrene
gelcoat product in its plants globally after it met their demanding in-house HSE standards. LM saw major reductions of more than 50% in styrene emissions during spray
gelcoat application, without any loss of performance. According to LM Wind Power, the ultra-low styrene Ecogel
gelcoat has enabled them to greatly improve the environment for their workers.
www.scottbader.com

http://www.neuhaeuser-controx.com http://www.mikrosam.com http://www.jmccomposites.co.uk http://www.scottbader.com

JEC COMPOSITES MAGAZINE - Issue #79 - March 2013

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of JEC COMPOSITES MAGAZINE - Issue #79 - March 2013