Largest ever PtFS system delivered for aerospace production

The modular PtFS system, which can be reconfigured for use across multiple projects, is being used to create thermoplastic structures as part of a high volume North American aircraft programme. It is the first system produced by Surface Generation to incorporate more than 200 individually heated and cooled areas within the tool faces, allowing thermal control to be applied even more precisely when forming highly complex components.

PtFS enables manufacturers using compression and injection moulding applications to adapt heating and cooling levels in real-time to meet the exact requirements of each part. The process is used by global automotive, aerospace, energy and consumer electronics manufacturers to improve component production quality and throughput.

Ben Halford, chief executive at Surface Generation, commented: “These monolithic composite components are subjected to high dynamic aerodynamic loads in a highly abrasive area of the aircraft. As such, this out-of-autoclave high volume production application needs to be incredibly precise to assure quality and maximise throughput. By using PtFS, Quatro Composites has achieved a step change in its manufacturing processes.”

Rob Westberg, vice president of R&D at Quatro Composites, added: "We’ve been working with Surface Generation to refine our production processes and prove that PtFS can form these complex components consistently, economically and to a greater quality than previously possible. PtFS is a cutting-edge process that enhances our ability to produce structural components for state-of-the-art commercial and military aircraft.”

Surface Generation is an advanced materials processing company. Its patented PtFS process is used to combine, compact, process and meld plastic, glass and composite materials far more efficiently and with much greater precision than is possible using traditional injection and compression moulding processes. Surface Generation’s technologies are used by component providers and manufacturers across a range of industries, including aerospace, automotive, consumer electronics, defence and leisure.

Quatro Composites, a division of AIM Aerospace Inc. is an advanced composite structures fabrication company offering complete solutions for 'concept through production' of composite structures including design, prototype and fabrication services. Quatro manufactures and engineers products for the aerospace, military/ defence, industrial and medical markets.

www.surface-generation.com