To start off May, Composite Integration attended JEC World in France, alongside our partner Diatex. The show was a great success and it was fantastic to see so many of our partners and customers, as well as creating new relationships.
The team showcased the latest generation Ciject Two, which features some key changes to our original machine. The Ciject Two range is capable of processing epoxy, polyester, vinylester and phenolic resin systems, with low-cost conversion kits to enable a quick and easy change between material types. The ability to work with a variety of closed mould processes, as well as the capability to manufacture parts from less than 1kg shot size to large structures greater than 1000kg, places the Ciject Two as the most versatile machine in the market.
The fundamentals of the latest Ciject Two machine are ease of use, reducing risk and increasing accuracy. One of the options for this machine is flow meters, which by integrating into the resin and hardener circuits, the Ciject Two accurately monitors the volume of material being pumped by the machine to ensure that the mixed material is at the correct ratio. The operator is able to see on the screen what the ratio has been set to and if during the injection ratio drifts, the machine will raise an alarm. To complement this option, the new and improved software allows comprehensive configuration of recipes and improved datalogging for quality assurance and process analysis. This allows the user to have greater control of the entire process.
Composite Integration has identified that there is a gap between basic meter-mixing and bespoke large scale infusions systems. The latest Ciject Two fills this gap. The Ciject Two is already recognised for its proven technology across a variety of sectors, and this latest version is targeted specifically towards manufacturers who require precision control and verification, with the flexibility to be used for LRTM, RTM and Infusion processes within one machine.
JEC Innovation Awards
The team also presented a 1/3 scale mould of a highly complex 5-seater helicopter fuselage. The innovation in this project involved Composite Integration pushing the boundaries of traditional composite processes, working alongside Hill Helicopters to develop multiple tooling and process techniques to manufacture this single turbine helicopter fuselage, as a single moulding without bonded joints.
Recent recognition of this work includes being selected as one of Three finalists in the JEC Composites Innovation Awards – Aerospace Application category.