Mikrosam launches a new hybrid AFP & FW solution for structural composite components production. The hybrid work cell integrates the advantages of both, filament winding (FW) and automated fiber placement (AFP) technologies, to provide new opportunities for increased freedom in designing parts and reaching new levels of productivity and profitability in the aerospace, automotive, oil and gas storage and transport, marine and other industries with high demand of composite parts.
The configuration of the new AFP & FW work cell is a result of Mikrosam’s new R&D Center and offers customers flexibility through a dual process equipment: interchangeable multi-tow (16) AFP head, and a FW system to access the best of both process variants. The advanced AFP head, equipped with infrared heating device, is designed for automated bi–directional lay-up of thermoset prepreg tapes.
The filament winder performs wet and dry winding of carbon, glass or aramid fibers. The time consuming process of transferring the product from one machine (FW process) to another (AFP process), which can take more than a day, is significantly reduced. On this new machine, switching from one process (FW) to another process (AFP) is done within minutes. For validation and optimization of the multi-material process, Mikrosam has developed an integrated MIKROPLACETM & WINDING EXPERTTM software module, an exclusive software package for programming and simulating of the cell.
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06 December 2017
