SAMPE Wrap Up And Product Showcase
Exhibitions on both sides of the Atlantic spur optimism and spotlight innovative technology.
By Staff | July 2003
The WELD-ON Structural Adhesive Series, on display at the IPS Corp. (Research Triangle Park, N.C., U.S.A.) booth, included SS600 series methacrylate adhesives. These two-component (10:1 mix ratio) products bond composites, thermoplastics and metals with minimal surface preparation and optimal cohesive strength to 98°C/180°F temperatures. Features include 12- or 40-minute open times, non-sag handling characteristics, permanent toughness and high elongation. Also on display: MP100 Metal Primer, a surface treatment that cleans, chemically converts and prepares stainless steel and aluminum surfaces for permanent bonding with any WELD-ON products. According to the company, the primer significantly improves bonds subject to humidity or corrosives, such as salt water. Select 263
J.H. vom Baur Sohn GmbH (Wuppertal, Germany) displayed a wide variety of narrow-width fabrics produced from carbon, aramid, and glass. The maximum width offered is 350 mm/14 inches. One product features unidirectional carbon woven in a tubular form with an elastic weft, permitting the user to pull the tube over mandrels with complex shapes, yet maintain a 0° fiber orientation along the entire length. The company also offers fabrics with tackifier pre-applied for preforming. Select 264
JPS Glass (Slater, S.C., U.S.A.) promoted its new-generation Astroquartz III fabrics, a low-cost alternative to the company's 9-micron fiber Astroquartz II fabrics. Based on 14-micron filament yarns, the new conformable fabrics are woven from high-tensile-strength, high-purity (99.95 percent) fused silica fiber. Two fabric styles are available, featuring many of the attributes of Astroquartz II fabrics, including low dielectrics, near-zero coefficient of thermal expansion, high-temperature performance and excellent mechanical properties in composites. Select 265
Karl Mayer Textilmaschinenfabrik GmbH (Obertshausen, Germany) unveiled its newest Malimo Multiaxial Knitting Machine, capable of producing fabrics from 80 inches to a full 130 inches in width (adjustable in 25-inch increments). Capable of fiber orientations at any angle between +45° and -45°, the system offers a unique laying system that gently and carefully handles materials, for problem-free processing of carbon fiber and glass fiber, says the company. Select 266
Lectra (Marietta, Ga., U.S.A.) focused visitor attention on its VectorComposite 2500 plotter-based composite materials cutting systems, featuring the new VectorPilotComposite driver, with unique tools adapted to cutting multiple material types, including prepreg, honeycomb and fiberglass mat/fabric. The machine is offered with a choice of two cutting window sizes: 67 inches by 69 inches and 69 inches by 140 inches. Select 267
Leybold SA (Bourg-lès-Valence, Cedex, France) displayed new SOGEVAC SV10B and SV16B air cooled, rotary vane vacuum pumps, with integrated motors and all control, operating and monitoring components mounted on the face sides of the pumps. Features include integrated exhaust filters and integrated gas ballast valve. Water cooling is available for pumps as an option. Select 268
LPT (Laser Projection Technologies, Londonderry, Conn., U.S.A.) introduced TruLASER View (TLV) advanced manufacturing software. The program reportedly interfaces seamlessly with popular CAD products (Autocad, CATIA, ProENGINEER, Unigraphics, etc.) and outputs files to all LPT laser projection tools. TLV 2-D, provides quick, easy two-dimensional laser projection data by converting 2-D models and CAD designs for projection onto work areas in assembly, nesting, kitting, hand trimming and cutting applications. TLV 3-D is designed to do the same in three-dimensional applications and also interfaces with CAD models. Select 269
Material SA (Brussels, Belgium) took reservations for copies of its new Composite Star database and design software. The package calculates ply and laminate properties, laminate load response and failure (with new failure criteria and progressive failure models) and also calculates the properties, load responses and failure of laminate beams, tubes and plates. The software interfaces with popular FEA programs, with simple mouse-click imports and exports. Select 270
Mikrosam (Prilep, Macedonia) highlighted its Multi Axis Filament Winding Machine for cylindrical shapes with irregular cross-sections. The computer numerical controlled system has a maximum mandrel diameter of 1,000 mm/39.37 inches and maximum mandrel weight capacity of 1,000 kg/2,205 lb. The machine's horizontal carriage stroke is a maximum 4,000 mm/157.5 inches, with a spindle speed variable between 0 and 100 rpm. Auxiliary equipment includes impregnation baths, spool creels, tensioning systems, curing ovens and mandrel extractors. Select 271
Mitsubishi Chemical Corp. (Tokyo, Japan) offered DIALEAD high-performance, coal tar pitch-based carbon fiber, in 2K, 10K, 12K and chopped and milled formats. New DIALEAD carbon fiber paper, priced at 4 Euro/lb ($4.50/lb) and available in 1m/39-inch widths, offers tensile strength of 2,550 Mpa/370 ksi and tensile modulus of 215 Gpa, in 30 g/m2 weight. Select 272
MGI (Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada) displayed its line of core materials based on closed-cell polyurethane foam technology. Attracting considerable interest was the company's foam-filled aluminum honeycomb product, providing shear and compressive properties several times that of either foam or honeycomb alone. The product is targeted at marine, transportation and aerospace sandwich structures. Select 273
RST-5 (Resin Separation Technology), from Mulder Hardenberg (Hofheim, Germany) is a cleaning solvent replacement product, featuring a patented, non-flammable, water-based cleaning agent developed for removing resins form rollers, brushes and other tool surfaces. Resin waste remains separate from the cleaning solution and settles, allowing simple extraction for disposal. The cleaning solution may then be reused. Select 274
NuSil (Carpinteria, Calif., U.S.A.) offered its Engineering Materials Selection Guide, which outlines its entire line of silicone products, including one- and two-part adhesives and sealants, designed for use in aerospace applications. Each lot of adhesive and sealant is tested to ASTM-E595 outgassing requirements. Select 275
Permabond (Eastleigh, Hampshire, U.K.) introduced a patented, two-part epoxy adhesive for composite and aluminum substrates. E3334 has very high peel strength — 200 N/25 mm — compared with 50 N/25 mm for traditional epoxies. The product may be cured at room temperature or accelerated with heating. The high peel strength allows laminates to be pressed and formed after bonding without degradation of the bond. Target applications include interiors for truck, bus, marine and commercial aircraft. Select 276
Plascore (Zeeland, Mich., U.S.A.) announced that its PP-series polypropylene honeycomb core can be formed using conventional thermoforming and compression molding techniques. The company recommends using core thicknesses 10 to 20 percent thicker than the expected final consolidated part thickness. Materials are preheated quickly to between 149°C and 166°C/300°F and 330°F and then transferred to a mold at a temperature between 38°C and 49°C/100°F and 120°F. The mold is closed and the core material is allowed to cool. Cover stock can be pre-arranged in the mold for lamination to the heated core. Plascore can provide pre-consolidated panels with various facing materials. Select 277
Radius Engineering (Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S.A.) took top honors at the SAMPE Europe/JEC Composites Show in the JEC Award program's "Air Transport" category with a carbon fiber braid-reinforced aircraft wing tip designed to replace an aluminum version. Radius and partners A&P Technology, Hexcel Composites, and Bombardier Aerospace resin transfer molded a 3.6m/11.8-ft long by 0.70m/2.3-ft wide demonstrator part. Use of the braid decreased required part wall thickness. The RTM technique enabled significant part consolidation and produced a paintable part surface, directly from the mold. Select 278.
RocTool (Le Bourget du Lac, Cedex, France) demonstrated its techniques for speeding the processing of composite components (up to 1.5m/4.9 ft in the largest dimension) by heating only the part instead of the mold. For conductive (e.g. carbon fiber-reinforced) materials, the company uses resistive heating — electrical terminals are integrated into opposite ends of the mold and are used to pass an electric current throughout the prepreg. This method rapidly heats and cures the part without loss of time typically required to preheat the mold. For nonconductive materials (e.g., glass-reinforced), inductive heating methods are used. The mold is made with conductive material, which is then subjected to a magnetic field. The mold heats in seconds (no prolonged preheating stage) and quickly transmits heat to the part. Both methods reduce energy consumption and shorten the elapsed time required for part processing, says the company. Select 279
Samtech Group (Liege, Belgium) promoted its new SAMCEF Field 3.2 for Composites software, which enables users to perform advanced linear and non-linear composite analysis by adding composites-specific features to existing SAMCEF Field CAD modeling software. It includes a complete library of multi-layered elements dedicated to the modeling of laminates and sandwich structures. Select 280
Silicone Solutions (Twinsburg, Ohio, U.S.A.) showcased its SS-67B, a fast-curing, high-strength, low-odor acetoxy silicone RTV adhesive rubber. The one-part system enables handling of part assemblies minutes after bonding. The material exhibits excellent unprimed adhesion to silicone rubber parts, and its cure cycle can be accelerated by application of hot air, says the company. Select 281
SIMEX Technologies (Montreal, Quebec, Canada) showcased its new vinyl ester prepreg products. Though prepregs made with vinyl ester historically have had problems with B-stage stability, SIMEX has patented a proprietary method to create prepregs that reportedly require no refrigeration, have a one-year out time, possess superior chemical resistance and process in minutes as compared to longer-cure epoxies. The prepregs are available in a range of styles for a wide variety of applications. Select 282
Vantico (Duxford, Cambridge, U.K. and East Lansing, Mich., U.S.A.) put the spotlight on improved Araldyte primerless, room-temperature-cure polyurethane and epoxy adhesives, featuring long open time and high gap-filling capability in SMC bonding applications. Also new: RenInfusion 8615 epoxy resin, a 204°C/400°F formulation with extended gel time of 20 hours. Its 550 cps viscosity enables resin infusion. After cure, the material exhibits Shore D hardness of 78, flexural strength of 10,000 psi and flexural modulus of 430,000 psi. Select 283
VISTAGY Inc. (Waltham, Mass., U.S.A.) announced the availability this summer of version 4.1 of its FiberSIM software, which offers CAD-integrated tools that automate composite design and analysis and generate manufacturing information, including documentation and flat patterns. The software also outputs data to drive laser projectors, automated cutters and fiber placement machines. Version 4.0, which adds support for the CATIA V5 CAD system (with continued support of Unigraphics and Pro/ENGINEER), was on display, with new architecture that streamlines product development cycles. Select 284
VyaTek Sports Inc. (Scottsdale, Ariz., U.S.A.) announced a worldwide, exclusive licensing agreement with Wilson Racquet Sports, which will allow the latter to use VyaTek's IsoGrid technology and brand name in its forthcoming Series H tennis racquets. Select 285
WebCore Technologies (Dayton, Ohio, U.S.A.) displayed its Tycor family of fiber-reinforced foam (FRF) core products, designed for use in the fabrication of lightweight but exceedingly damage-tolerant composite structures in aerospace/defense, marine, transportation, industrial and infrastructure applications. The products feature fiber reinforcements interlaced in a three-dimensional architecture throughout a foam core material. During resin infusion, the reinforcements "wick" the resin through the core thickness, forming a patterned z-directional reinforcement structure within the finished composite component. Tycor reportedly performs well in low-pressure resin transfer molding, vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding, vacuum-bagged open molding and pultrusion. Select 286
Zeon Chemicals L.P. (Louisville, Ky., U.S.A.) showed its new DuoMod ZT-2 toughened tackifier. Traditional resin toughening additives, such as elastomers or thermoplastics, tend to increase resin viscosity, making processes like resin transfer molding (RTM) or vacuum-assisted RTM difficult, because the resin can't flow through the preform. The DuoMod product, a pre-reacted combination of proprietary cross-linked particles and an epoxy-compatible tackifier resin, is carried in acetone and will bond to epoxy matrix resins. The tackifier can be sprayed onto the reinforcing preform layers at a loading of about 4 percent (by weight), and the part may be processed normally with any infusion-friendly, low-viscosity epoxy. The tackifier cures at ambient temperature up to 121°C/250°F, and can improve interlaminar fracture toughness by as much as 147 percent, without any detrimental effect on the part's flexural strength or thermal properties. Select 287
Zoltek Companies Inc. (St. Louis, Mo., U.S.A.) unveiled lightweight, high-performance, unidirectional stitch-bonded fabrics made from commercial (large-tow) PANEX 35 carbon fibers. The new fabric line is suitable for standard fabrication technologies and processes, including resin transfer molding, infusion molding, hand lay-up and prepreg production, offering the advantage of easier wet-out and greater finished part stiffness compared with aerospace-grade (small-tow) fibers, says the company. Now available in up to 3m/10-ft widths, the fabrics are made with a special binder that provides for improved fabric cutting, drape, and preforming. Select 288
Zyvax Inc. (East Ellijay, Ga., U.S.A.) presented new AeroShield, a "wipe-and-go" release coating, with increased tack for dry laminates and hard-to-place prepregs. The coating can be used for long production runs without build-up on tooling, and is designed for use in place of the company's CompositeShield release coating, in those applications. Select 289
