Hybrid composite workcell supports thermosets, thermoplastics
CAMX 2024: Radius Engineering showcases its Hybrid Composite Workcell with the versatility to support a range of closed-mold processes monitored by its Insights control system.
Share
Radius Engineering (Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S.), an equipment and tooling supplier for closed-mold aerospace structures, is featuring its Hybrid Composite Workcell to support both thermoset and thermoplastic processes. The equipment will produce composites with the following processes:
- Thermoset processes
- Resin transfer molding (RTM)
- Same qualified resin transfer molding (SQRTM)
- Compression resin transfer molding (CRTM)
- Compression molding
- Thermoplastic processes
- Consolidation
- Stamp forming
This distinctive versatility is accomplished with a Double Acting-Distributed Pressure System (DA-DPS) press, multi-component injection system (Multi-K), a thermal oil temperature control unit and Radius’ Insights control system.
The DA-DPS Press uses servo-electric actuation for fast upper bolster closing speeds of 2.5″/sec and positional accuracy of ±0.001″. The up-acting lower bolster uses Radius’ DPS, providing an even pressure of ±1 psi on tools up to 4' × 6', with clamping up to 325 t. The press can be configured in six standard sizes for tooling as small as 2' × 2' and as large as 4' × 12'.
The Multi-K injection system operates with either premixed single-component resins or two-component resin systems and a heated mixing system. Resin volumes to 31 L can be rapidly degassed to less than 1 torr in the system prior to injection at temperatures up to 350°F (180°C) and pressure up to 160 psi (11 bar).
The temperature control unit (TCU) provides 144 kW of heating with a maximum operating temperature of 650°F (470°C), and a 100-kW heat exchanger which can achieve tool heating rates greater than 5°F/2.8°C per minute.
The Workcell is controlled and monitored by Radius’ Insights control system. Insights is a supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system that can control all process parameters, provide instructions to operators for manual actions, log data continuously and analyze the data for verifying the cure cycle meets all quality requirements. Insights can interface with factory ERP systems and material tracking systems to delivery Industry 4.0 capabilities.
Related Content
-
CAMX 2022 exhibit preview compilation, Part 2
Part 2 is a continuation of some of the composites-related materials, technologies and services to be featured by CAMX 2022 exhibitors.
-
CAMX 2022: 10 reasons to attend
Looking for a good reason to attend CAMX 2022? Look no further.
-
CAMX 2022 exhibit preview: Current Inc.
Current Inc. produces thermoset-based products such as tubing rods, sheets and more with high electrical and mechanical characteristics and different color combinations.
Related Content
CAMX 2022 exhibit preview compilation, Part 2
Part 2 is a continuation of some of the composites-related materials, technologies and services to be featured by CAMX 2022 exhibitors.
Read MoreCAMX 2022: 10 reasons to attend
Looking for a good reason to attend CAMX 2022? Look no further.
Read MoreCAMX 2022 exhibit preview: Current Inc.
Current Inc. produces thermoset-based products such as tubing rods, sheets and more with high electrical and mechanical characteristics and different color combinations.
Read MoreGraphene-enhanced SMC boosts molded component properties
CAMX 2023: Commercially sold GrapheneBlack SMC from NanoXplore increases part strength, stiffness and provides other benefits for transportation, renewable energy, energy storage and industrial markets.
Read MoreRead Next
Radius Engineering supplies NIAR with thermoplastic consolidation workcell
NIAR ATLAS facility will use the workcell to produce precisely consolidated laminates for thermoplastic aerospace structure process strategy development.
Read MoreRadius Engineering workcell enables composite flare housings for F-35
New flare housing manufacturing facility will utilize RTM workcell from Radius Engineering to manufacture composite housings for the F-35 Lightning II aircraft’s countermeasure flares.
Read MorePlant tour: Teijin Carbon America Inc., Greenwood, S.C., U.S.
In 2018, Teijin broke ground on a facility that is reportedly the largest capacity carbon fiber line currently in existence. The line has been fully functional for nearly two years and has plenty of room for expansion.
Read More