Composites Manufacturing Research & Development

Composites Manufacturing Research and Development are typically a crucial first step in developing a machine requirements document or understanding the complete ROI of automating the manufacture of a part or raw material.  This is usually done in the context of a well defined trade study with clear stage gates and objectives. 

Composite Automation is partnered with multiple companies that have the ability to help customers develop manufacturing processes and materials.  These capabilities include fabricationg tools, slitting materials, producing prototypes, performing inspection, etc.  Bring your problem to us so we can brainstorm a process development or trade study program for you.

PCM Innovations tooling

SERVICES

Engineering services for tool design and technical workforce

PCM Innovation and Lucas Industries offers fully integrated solutions in engineering and tooling. We are rich of 40 years of history and experience in our industry. Like you, we employ engineers, technicians, quality specialists, project managers, buyers and the list goes on. But there’s another side to PCM, we also have a vast array of employees that are on site, at our customers, to fill their specialized resource needs. Whether for short term or long term, we’re here to help, and rest assured, we can help you.

We understand this industry, we’re in it. Unlike any other outsourcer you’ve dealt with so far, we know the lingo. FAI, Catia, CMM, this all speaks to us. Tell us what you’re looking for, we’ll get you the candidate you need.

Technical workforce

  • Full time resources at client site: we have a vast array of employees that are on site, at our customers, to fill their specialized resource needs. Whether for short term or long term, we’re here to help, and rest assured, we can help you.
  • Permanent design team in our offices
  • Turn key solutions with project management and manufacturing

Engineering Services

  • Project management with PLM software allowing multisite team
  • Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
  • Concurrent engineering by web conference
  • Secured file transfer via FTP site
  • 3D printing for rapid prototyping
  • Reverse engineering with Laser Scanner (MetraSCAN)
  • Laser Tracker (API and FARO)
  • CMM Probe integrated in a large 5-axis CNC
  • Photogrammetry (Handyprobe)
  • CMM Arm (FARO Platinum 6)
  • CE Marking Conformity

CAD Software

  • Catia V5
  • Siemens NX
  • Creo
  • SolidWorks
Mikrosam

SERVICES

Mikrosam’s Institute of Composites and Robotics is located adjacent to their Headquarters in Europe.  The R&D laboratory has a wide range of R&D equipment and we have performed R&D for NASA as well as other clients at the lab.  The machines available for process development cover all of the technologies Mikrosam provides: Automated Fiber/Tape Placement (AFP/ATL), Filament Winding (FW), Prepreg Making, and Prepreg Slitting. Mikrosam’s team of composites experts engages directly with clients to understand the objectives of the research, help design the process development experiments and then invites clients to join, participate and observe the experiments.  It’s like having your own R&D equipment and personnel in your company.  This enables clients to perform manufacturing and materials process development while reducing risk in the design of a part or selection of a machine intended for production.
  • Thermoplastic Insitu Consolidation using AFP/ATL with laser heating
  • Thermoset AFP/ATL trials
  • Prototyping including tool production
  • New product development
  • New technology development
  • Comparative analysis of concurrent technologies and machines
  • Programming, testing and merging motion and process control platforms
  • Software engineering
  • Retrofitting
  • Technical consulting
  • Machine and software operation training
  • Machine maintenance training
  • Market research

MACHINES INSTALLED IN THE R&D LABORATORY AT MIKROSAM:

Cevotec Additive Patch Placement Machine

SERVICES

cevoLab – the FPP Competence Center

At the cevoLab, Cevotec’s Fiber Patch Placement Competence Center, customers can develop their application with Fiber Patch Placement utilizing Cevotec’s technical experts and equipment. Testing and validating fiber patch technology for individual products is risk free. A full understanding of the manufacturability of a candidate part along with projected ROI can be distilled from the process. The comprehensive services include product development both for prototypes and for series production and extends from initial planning and design to the production of dry fiber, prepreg or multi-material laminates. The process also completes the development of a machine requirements document enabling the eventual procurement of a system.  Depending on the requirements, Cevotec can offer both full-service options and the flexible integration of customer teams, to implement knowledge transfer at an early stage.

 

  • Individual application development
  • Machine customizations
  • FE-simulation and laminate optimization
  • Prototyping and small-scale series production
  • Tailored patch grippers
Cevotec cevoLab
  • Proof of concept and prototype projects for parts already in production that needs automation or parts that are already designed and need to be industrialized
  • Developing complementary automation technologies to support Fiber Patch Placement such as novel grippers or feeding units
  • Materials evaluation to determine suitability for use in Fiber Patch Placement.
  • Throughput and waste analysis
  • ROI analysis
  • Equipment maintenance & support services
  • Software maintenance & support services
  • Machine and software operation training

Equipment Customization

Based on the developed application, Cevotec can customize Fiber Patch Placement systems to customer requirements. This includes, as necessary, adaptions to the process, the robot configuration, the gripper technology, or the quality control systems. Of course, all adaptations are reflected in the Artist Studio software’s digital twin of the production system.

ScanTech 3D scanner Process Chain

Cevotec SAMBA System and Software

Aerospace Non Destructive Inspection

SERVICES

Contract Parts Inspection Services

Our inspection centers provide application-specific state-of-the-art instrumentation and automated systems that are utilized to solve known throughput and efficiency issues faced in the composite manufacturing sector, helping manufacturers meet their rate commitments.

Arcadia provides inspection of composite airframe components at its Nadcap certified facilities in Punta Gorda, Florida, Bethsalem, Pennsylvania and Tallassee, Alabama.  Our Florida facility also provides inspection system optimization, consulting, design, upgrade, and integrated system manufacturing.(These Engineering Services are not covered under the Nadcap and AS9100D Including ISO 9001:2015 NDT Certified Services)

 

Arcadia NDI Toll Processing in Alabama
CMCG-LLC

SERVICES

Manufacturing Process Development/Machine Requirements Definition

Composites Manufacturing Consulting Group specializes in helping customers define new trade studies that lead to new composites manufacturing processes.  The services include defining process development activities, business case validation, ROI analysis, market analysis and developing machine requirements documents.  Ultimately, the client is able to submit RFI/RFQ documents to solicit proposals on equipment.  CMCG can stay engaged to develop lean manfacturing process to improve OPEX costs and to maximize ROI. 

 

Mikrosam Multi Spindle Filament Winder
Technobell Technology logo

SERVICES

Technobell is dedicated to sustainable business practices and the pursuit of sustainable development. The company consistently integrates environmental considerations into the planning and development of new products and services, as well as into the enhancement and/or optimization of existing ones.

Innovations in GRP Pipe Production: Our technical advancements in GRP pipe production focus on enhancing production reliability and reducing costs by:

  • Increasing production speed
  • Minimizing waste
  • Optimizing pipe design
  • Precisely controlling key production parameters

Comprehensive Customer Support: Technobell offers extensive solutions and support to ensure our customers achieve their project objectives efficiently and effectively. We provide assistance at every project stage, offering tailored services that meet the unique needs of each customer.

  • Consultation Services: Expert guidance and advice to facilitate informed decision-making.
  • Financial Guidance: Assistance in financial planning and budgeting to ensure project feasibility.
  • Technology Selection: Support in choosing the most suitable technology tailored to specific requirements.
  • Equipment Supply: Procurement and delivery of high-quality, customized equipment to meet project needs.
  • Assembly and Commissioning: Professional services for assembly and commissioning to ensure seamless integration and optimal operation.
  • Knowledge Transfer: Transfer of essential know-how for effective operation and maintenance of equipment.
  • Raw Materials Supply: Provision of top-quality raw materials essential for the production process of GRP pipes.
  • Long-term Production Assistance: Ongoing support and assistance to enhance production efficiency and effectiveness over the long term.
  • Product Development: Collaboration and support in the development of new products to address evolving market demands.
  • Certification Assistance: Guidance and support to navigate certification processes and ensure compliance with industry standards.
  • Installation Assistance: Support in the installation of GRP pipes and fittings to ensure proper functionality and performance.