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Greene commissions another composites manufacturing unit

17 Feb '15

2 min read

Greene Tweed has commissioned an additional state-of-the art composites manufacturing equipment to produce components from Xycomp DLF discontinuous long fibre thermoplastic composites.

“The investment expands Greene’s capacity to meet the continued increase in demand for aerospace components produced from Xycomp DLF,” it said.

The new equipment includes another highly automated ProFusion compression moulding line and a dedicated advanced machining center.

The additional ProFusion moulding line incorporates high pressure/high temperature capability for near-net compression molded PEEK and PEKK-based DLF thermoplastic composite materials.

Bar code scanning for process parameter input and automated mould/material handling are among the features included in all of Greene’s ProFusion lines, delivering a high level of process control.

Its fully automated 5-axis advanced FMS or Flexible Manufacturing System machining center was installed to increase composite machining capabilities that support DLF component manufacture.

“The machining center delivers increased precision for higher tolerances and improved quality capability,” Greene added.

Automated tool change-overs and automated palletized loading are additional features incorporated for high-volume lean manufacturing of complex-shape composite parts.

The new moulding and machining equipment is currently manufacturing components for applications in service on Airbus A350, A380, A320neo; Boeing 787 and 777; and Bombardier C-series aircraft.

“We made this investment in new manufacturing equipment to increase our capacity for future efforts and to deliver on the near-term schedule and cost,” Aaron Godwin, composites process engineering lead said.

He added, “As production rates continue to ramp up on new aircraft platforms, Greene Tweed is ready to deliver.”

Xycomp DLF thermoplastic composites technology targets complex-shape metal part replacement for key weight savings and other benefits.

Greene Tweed has refined Xycomp DLF design, analysis, and processing methods in recent years to deliver a broad range of DLF components.

This has led to successful adoption by several major commercial aerospace OEM’s and Tier 1’s including production engine, nacelle, and interiors applications.

Produced using thermoplastic-matrix materials, Xycomp DLF products also can be recycled and remoulded at the end of service for use in other applications, supporting environmental goals. (AR)

Fibre2fashion News Desk - India