The Challenge
To collaboratively work with the client to develop a process capable of producing high quality, high performance components at a high production rate of over 30,000 parts per year.
The early stages of the project involved working with the client to develop an accurate and repeatable RTM process, including some very specific process parameters such as vacuum levels, tool temperature, resin temperature, injection pressures and dwell times.
Once proven the next steps were to productionise the process and develop a production cell capable of achieving high production rates.
The Key Components of the Cell
| Press |
|---|
| 200 tonne automated hydraulic press with tool heating. |
| Tooling |
|---|
| Bespoke steel tooling designed to accommodate specific part geometry, measure and maintain defined temperature and pressure profiles, and to achieve the optimum production rate. |
| Material Conditioning |
|---|
| Heating and degassing of resin and hardener in order to achieve final part quality. |
| Resin Mixing & Injection |
|---|
| Delivery and control of mix ratio and multi-stage injection process with full data logging of process and tool parameters. |
High Pressure RTM Cell
The Ciject injection equipment and the Langzauner press are a fully integrated cell with a single point of control.
- The Ciject equipment incorporates a material conditioning module that heats and degasses resin/hardener
- The Langzauner press heats the tool to the specified temperature
- The tool cavity is evacuated
- The Ciject mixes resin at the specified ratio and injects at the specified pressure.
- The tool is held at temperature for the specified dwell time.
Cell integration is a valuable tool for manufacturers who want to improve the quality, productivity, and safety of their production processes. By integrating Ciject injection equipment and a press, manufacturers can automate the process and ensure that the final product meets their specifications.
