Compositadour has been working with a vision to expand the implementation of advanced composites manufacturing beyond the aerospace sector and into other industries, such as urban mobility, marine, sports, etc. The majority of these non-aerospace industries do not have the resources required to access the same cutting-edge technology that is used to advance the manufacturing and research being performed at the aerospace level. In order to increase the access to advanced composites manufacturing to the wider industry, Addcomposites’ plug-n-produce platform, the AFP-XS, is now in operation at Compositadour.
Peter Lascelles, Senior Sales Manager for Heraeus Noblelight commented: “We are delighted to be able to contribute to the development of the new ‘plug-n-produce’ platform the AFP-XS whilst offering accessibility of this innovative technology to the wider composites manufacturing industry.”
The AFP-XS system was installed in a pre-existing cell on an active robot. The robot was used for ongoing projects, and so it was imperative to have an interchangeable device, using pre-existing safety protocols. Working in collaboration with Compositadour has resulted in a successful integration, and the teams couldn’t be more excited to see the customers they are able to help by using the AFP-XS. This system was designed primarily for thermoset handling using an IR heater, but can also be used in conjunction with the humm3 heating technology from Heraeus Noblelight for running dry fiber and high temperature thermoplastic tapes.
Pravin Luthada Co-Founder and CEO of Addcomposites said: “The humm3 has proved itself to be an excellent heating technology for fast and controllable fiber lay-up. The combination of high average power, fast control and small physical volume makes it an ideal addition for placing fibers requiring high heat to activate the matrix. As a diffuse, broadband source of energy, the humm3 is also safe to use (no laser safety enclosure is required) and is easily scaled to different heated widths.”