Solvay unveils Double Diaphragm Forming automated demonstrator line

 

 

On Jan. 17, Solvay (Alpharetta, Ga., U.S.) announced the completion of its Double Diaphragm Forming (DDF) demonstrator line at its Heanor, U.K. site.

The fully automated line, combined with Solvay’s fast curing technologies, is reported to go from raw material to cured parts within a 3-minute takt time, which Solvay says will open new opportunities for high-rate composite part manufacture.

During a customer event with more than 150 composite industry experts in attendance, Solvay shared its industrialization strategy before presenting its DDF technology and unveiling the new demonstrator line which will be used to develop, de-risk and validate the suitability of the technology for customers’ applications.

“Solvay’s R&I team has achieved a key milestone in the industrialization of composites, developing and building a line that illustrates the vast possibilities and increased rate capabilities that automation brings to both the automotive and aerospace industries. The huge market interest we are receiving is a testimony to our team’s vision for the future of the composites industry,” says Carmelo Lo Faro, president of Solvay Composite Materials Global Business Unit.