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Addcomposites' AFP-XS for industries beyond aerospace

02 Dec '20

3 min read

Pic: Add Composites

Addcomposites’ plug-n-produce platform, the AFP-XS, is now in operation at Compositadour, a French technological platform specialising in advanced manufacturing. This will increase the access to advanced composites manufacturing to a wider industry. Compositadour has been working to expand use of advanced composites beyond the aerospace sector.

The majority of the non-aerospace industries such as composites, robotics and additive manufacturing do not have the resources required to access the same cutting-edge technology that is used in advance manufacturing and research being performed in aerospace sector.

Compositadour provides a platform for experimentation using digital and robotic technologies for the Factory of the Future. Compositadour offers cutting-edge equipment and mobilises its network of skills to validate and experiment with innovative processes for companies of all sizes.

Pravin Luthada, CEO and co-founder of Addcomposites, said, “We are excited to support Compositadour’s efforts in expanding advanced manufacturing in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region by providing an economical alternative for AFP manufacturing to local SMEs. This really aligns with our vision of enabling advanced manufacturing of composite structures to companies of all sizes, and we are positive this partnership will lead to the step-change needed to bring the lightweighting revolution to everyday products.”

The AFP-XS system was installed in a pre-existing cell on an active robot. The robot is used for ongoing projects, and so it was imperative to have an interchangeable device, using their existing safety protocols. Working in collaboration with Compositadour has resulted in a successful integration.

Françis Seidelhan, director of Compositadour, said, “The AFP-XS is a high quality, easy to use, repeatable system that quickly swaps over from a standard thermoset system to handle dry fibres and thermoplastics, seamlessly integrating with the humm3. This technology will enable us to further develop the fibre placement research and local SME activity at Compositadour, and we are excited to collaborate with Addcomposites on future projects.” 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 fibre and high temperature thermoplastic tapes.

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.”

Luthada added, “The humm3 has proved itself to be an excellent heating technology for fast and controllable fibre lay-up. The combination of high average power, fast control and small physical volume makes it an ideal addition for placing fibres 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.”

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (SV)