We begin our round-up of exhibitors at JEC World with Ascent Aerospace (hall 5, stand R86) who will use the show to introduce HyVarC, a patent-pending Hybrid InVar and Composite mould. HyVarC layup tooling offers a cost-effective, lightweight, short lead-time solution for prototype and development applications. HyVarC combines a thin Invar backup structure and face-sheet with a bonded, high-temperature composite working surface. The resulting tool is 50% lighter with a 20% shorter lead-time than a traditional Invar layup mould, while maintaining the same superior vacuum integrity and dimensional precision. The hybrid mould capitalises on the desirable performance characteristics of Invar and composites to offer an ideal layup mould for prototype aerospace parts.
In the next aisle, UK composites design and manufacturing solutions specialist, Anaglyph (hall 5A, stand P78) will demonstrate its hand-layup ply placement technology, PlyMatch. PlyMatch uses augmented reality to show the live combined images of actual and target ply outlines and fibre orientation details on a monitor, so that the two can be matched by the operator. PlyMatch is used for the accurate placement of plies in hand lay-up manufacture of composite parts, as well as for monitoring and validation of automated methods. It’s useful in case of complex geometries, with high curvature or enclosed spaces.
bigHead (hall 6, stand E45) returns to JEC World with design engineers on hand to discuss composite fastening applications. The emphasis will be on engineering solutions that avoid the typical compromises between form and function, and ways to improve process efficiency. bigHead’s most recent addition to the team, Dr Lawrence Cook, will be on the bigHead stand to offer advice and insight. An expert in composites technology, Dr Cook comes to bigHead having led a number of industry research projects at Cranfield University.
CGTech (hall 5, stand N80) will demonstrate how advanced programming strategies and simulation can lead to better composites parts. The company will also demonstrate Composites 2018, the latest version of VERICUT Composite Programming (VCP) & VERICUT Composite Simulation (VCS).
Visitors to CGTech’s stand will also have the opportunity to receive a thorough overview of the steps needed to get from a CAD designed composite part to CNC programs that drive an Automated Fibre Placement (AFP) or Automated Tape Laying (ATL) machine. There will be information on new projects that highlight the implementation and use of machine independent off-line NC programming software for AFP and ATL machines, such as the work being done at NASA's Langley Research Centre using a 16-tow Electroimpact automated fibre placement machine. CGTech will also exhibit its latest version of VERICUT 8.1 software.
Chem-Trend (hall 5A, stand M22) develops and produces highly tailored release systems (cleaners, primers, sealers, and release agents) to increase the productivity and quality output of composite moulding operations around the globe. The Chemlease and Zyvax brands cover industry applications from FRP to advanced composites. Chem-Trend formulates an extensive range of semi-permanent and conventional external release agents, both water-based and solvent-based, as well as specialised internal release agents for particular applications. Zyvax MPP 1006W is a newly developed semi-permanent mould primer formulated for sealing and priming various types of tooling substrates in the aerospace industry. Zyvax TakeOff is a water-based, semi-permanent release agent specifically formulated for aerospace manufacturers and is especially effective for vacuum bagged and autoclave moulding of epoxy carbon fibre prepreg.
With the tailored blank line using the Fiberforge and Fibercon systems, Dieffenbacher (hall 6, stand C31) says it has developed a solution for the large-series production of locally reinforced thermoplastic components. Applications within the aerospace industry include loaded clips and brackets, interiors, seating and other commercial aircraft applications. The new approach will enable cost-saving solutions over metal or traditional composites.
The Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT (hall 5A, stand C55) will focus on the latest trends and innovations in laser machining of composites. Researchers at the booth shared with the Aachen Centre for Integrative Lightweight Production (AZL) will demonstrate how lasers can be used for joining, structuring, cutting and drilling composite materials. Fraunhofer ILT will present new developments in laser transmission welding techniques for joining plastics with a metallic component. At the joint booth, researchers will also present new developments in the field of laser cutting and drilling. The challenge here is to minimise the interaction between laser and composite. To achieve this, Fraunhofer ILT relies on pulsed laser beams and very rapidly deflected continuous wave radiation, which penetrates ever deeper into the material over the course of several scans. The same also applies to laser drilling, which the Aachen researchers effectively use to cut form-locking contours into preforms.
Camera-based, non-contact precision measurement specialists, Imetrum (hall 6, stand N4) will demonstrate its measurement capability throughout the show. Imetrum’s Video Extensometers can deliver resolutions to better than 3 microstrain/10nanometres. They are also said to calibrate to unparalleled accuracies, with ISO9513 class 0.5/ASTM E83 B-1 possible, even at low strains and gauge lengths. Both the Universal Extensometer for materials testing, and 3D Precision Displacement Tracker for component testing, are based on Imetrum’s Video Gauge software and are characterised by their measurement resolution, accuracy, versatility and efficient workflows.
In the adjoining hall, MTorres (hall 5, stand N42) will present the latest R&D developments regarding manufacturing and automation of large structures, with a special focus on fuselages and the new low-cost carbon fibre material based on MTorres’ proprietary new tow preparation process. This “new mould-less monocoque manufacturing process” will be a finalist in the JEC Innovation 2018 awards in the category ‘Aerospace-Process’ and the winner will be announced during the show. In addition, Russian company JSC Aerocomposite is finalist in the category ‘Aerospace-Application’ for the Infusion Technology for Aircraft Wing. These wings are the first in the world to be built using dry carbon fibre, and they are manufactured extensively using MTorres equipment. TORRESFRIBERDRY, AFP machine and TORRESMILL Routing and Milling machine are used for components fabrication. The outer wing box, central wing box assembly lines and the assembly solution for the integration of the outer wing box with central wing box are also supplied by MTorres.
NTPT (hall 5, stand F5) specialists in thin ply prepregs, preforms and parts and experts in automation technology, will showcase a full range of thin ply solutions, with a focus on composite parts: tubes, blocks and structural components. Having always offered product development and prototyping services, NTPT has now established a Parts business with a focus on the marine and aerospace sectors. NTPT is working in collaboration with several leading aerospace companies on ultra-light composite components for high altitude UAVs.
Moving on, Porcher Industries’ (hall 6, stand M28) five business units will present market specific technical textile and thermoplastic composite solutions at the show. The company will jointly present a new carbon fibre reinforced thermoplastic airframe component with Stelia Aerospace. The results of extensive R&D by both companies, this strengthening frame for an aircraft fuselage is the first to use a fabric woven from 12K carbon fibre. This development, realised through low-crimp weaving and optimisation of the fibre/matrix interface, allows a more cost-effective 12K reinforcement to replace existing 3K solutions. Porcher Industries will also showcase its technology of dry fibres for AFP offering multiple options of binders (thermoset or high temperature thermoplastic) and carbon fibres for Out-of-Autoclave processes in aerospace and defence.
Further on, Refitech and CG TEC will present their new partnership, as well as their innovative carbon fibre product solutions. Both companies will share the Bayern Innovativ stand (hall 6, R51) to announce their full cooperation, whereby the affordable innovative composite components from both companies can be purchased easily in their respective web shops. At JEC, Refitech will introduce a new series of round and square connectors as an extension of its standard range of round and square carbon tubes for industrial applications. CG TEC will showcase new multilayer basalt tube combines high-performance basalt fibre, high strength stainless steel tubes, a communication element (optical fibres, coax or copper wires) and optionally a polyamide, polyethylene or high-density polyethylene sheath.
R-TECH Materials (hall 6, stand B65) will showcase its testing capabilities at this year’s event. R-TECH’s polymer and composites laboratories test the mechanical, thermal and chemical properties of non-metallic materials, components and products. These include plastics and fibre-reinforced composites for material approval and characterisation, to identify quality issues, solve processing problems or identify why a product has failed. Having won the JEC Award for Innovation in Testing last year, 2018 promises to be a big year for R-TECH. The company is on track to secure Nadcap aerospace approval and has also teamed up with Zwick Roell to run a second round of its successful training course on mechanical testing of composites.
Thermwood (hall 6, stand P46a) offers both 3- and 5-axis CNC machining centres suitable for the production, fabrication and trimming of wood, plastics, non-ferrous metals, composites and other advanced materials. These applications range from machining patterns and moulds/plugs to trimming and machining production products. Thermwood also offers a Large Scale Additive Manufacturing (LSAM) system for 3D printing reinforced thermoplastic composite materials for producing industrial tooling, moulds, patterns, masters, plugs and fixtures for various industries. The LSAM can perform both the ‘additive’ and ‘subtractive’ functions on the same machine. This approach, called ‘near-net shape’, uses carbon fibre-reinforced thermoplastic material to quickly create a part that is nearly, but not exactly, the final shape. The ‘subtractive’ function then machines the part to the exact final net shape.
Elsewhere, Technical Fibre Products (hall 5, stand P32) will exhibit its advanced nonwovens. This year there is a strong focus on the capability of Optiveil nonwovens to deliver an exceptional quality surface finish. Optiveil nonwovens provide a surface finish solution for a variety of composite markets. Optiveil is the ideal candidate for use as a surfacing veil, and has been developed as such. Available in range of fibre types to enable both a variety of aesthetic finishes and CTE matching, it boasts an exceptionally even fibre distribution to ensure uniform resin uptake. The result is a high-quality resin rich surface finish with micro crack suppression and minimum microporosity.
VELOX (hall 5, stand E28) will be showcasing an extended speciality product portfolio, including a wide range of speciality composites and additives comprising glass reinforcements for closed mould and pultrusion processes, dry carbon reinforcements, formulated epoxy resins and hardeners as well as bio-sourced epoxy resins, structural adhesives and more. The company offers composites solutions for the automotive, aerospace, sports and leisure industries and for industrial applications. VELOX will be representing new as well as long-term partners like Ilium Composites, Chomarat, L&L Products, Atul, CMP, CTP Advanced Materials and Entropy Resins and Umicore - Cobalt & Specialty Materials.
Finally, Zünd (hall 5, stand T40) will present the latest developments in highly modular digital cutting systems for composites applications. Centre of attention will be the Zünd dual-beam D3 cutter designed for maximum productivity. With the D3 dual-beam system, Zünd offers an ultra-productive cutting solution. With two beams, each carrying up to three different modules, the D3 system can process any number of materials including multi-layered, woven and non-woven materials, films and fleeces twice as fast as a single-beam system. In combination with the Zünd Cut Centre ZCC user interface and control software, the Zünd D3 is the perfect high-throughput solution for digitally cutting composites. As an example, the ZCC software automatically distributes the workload between the two beams and tool carriages as efficiently as possible.
