Ply stacking, cutting process optimized via automation, smaller footprint

Schmidt & Heinzmann (Bruchsal, Germany) highlights the AutoCut Pick&Place, a solution for more efficient and automated composite parts manufacturing. The compact system is said to redesign the automated cutting, weighing and stacking of sheet molding compound (SMC) materials as well as dry fiber fabrics.

AutoCut Pick&Place maintains the more well-known features of the company’s AutoCut system: generic software enables simple programming and faster materials production, different cutting technologies are available for various materials (SMC, prepregs, dry fiber fabrics, etc.) and an automated compensation function ensures correct stack weights. Adding on to this is a smaller footprint option for stacking and weighing plies directly onto the AutoCut — in this case, an integrated gantry system with a multifunctional gripper builds the stack. Compared to a traditional machine concept, Schmidt & Heinzmann says a handling robot achieves faster handling due to shorter traveling distance and faster installation and startup thanks to integrated functions.

Schmidt & Heinzmann has been developing and producing tailor-made production machinery and automation solutions for composites for more than 50 years. Its product portfolio includes:

• Cutting systems for all kind of fibers
• SMC production machinery
• Automated cutting and stacking systems for dry fiber fabrics and SMC semi-finished materials
• Preforming systems for the automated production of glass and carbon fiber preforms
• Press automation for manufacture of SMC and WCM components
• Customized solutions.

The company, with offices in the U.S. and China and more than 130 employees, generated a turnover of €20 million in 2023.