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Arkema introduces reactivity controller
Processing news
Automated Dynamics robot AUTOMATED DYNAMICS’ Affordable Automation Team is introducing its new Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) and Automated Tape Laying (ATL) robot: AFP/ATL-0510 Robot. It can host a multiple of processing head technologies including thermoset and thermoplastic AFP and ATL. Examples of its use include commercial and military rotorcraft and fixed wing aircraft applications such as tailboom structures, rotor grip elements, horizontal and vertical tailplanes and stabilisers, and jet engine components. It can also be used for processing materials such
as thermoset and thermoplastic matrix prepregs. The thermoplastic system is an in-situ process, yielding full consolidation on the fly, eliminating the need for a post process such as an autoclave cycle. A Kawasaki robot platform was used creating an inexpensive, off the shelf solution. According to Automated Dynamics, the robot brings versatility and a small workcell footprint at the same time as offering a robust production solution. The robot has a standard work envelope of 3 m x 1.5 m and 1.2 m revolute parts with the addition of a spindle system, and
Arkema introduces reactivity controller BLOCBUILDER® RC-50 reactivity controller for closed moulding applications is being introduced by Arkema Inc. The alkoxyamine compound has an extended pot life and offers improved stability to the composites industry. It can be used for pultrusion, sheet moulding compound and bulk moulding compound (SMC/ BMC) manufacturing methods. In addition to extended pot life stability, it is said to offer longer storage time, and reduced scrap, labour and clean-up. It also allows for faster initiator systems and faster line speeds, and improved consistency and quality. BlocBuilder RC-50 is designed to work with several commercially available polyester and low temperature organic peroxide products. The controller is also designed to work with Arkema’s Luperox®
organic peroxides family of high quality products. “With BlocBuilder RC50, unsaturated polyester resin manufacturers and composite moulders have more control in their high temperature curing applications,” says Bob Dixon, Market Manager for Arkema Inc. “Upon heating to temperatures above 60°C, the BlocBuilder RC50 additive will unblock from the polyester resin, and allow the organic peroxide to initiate the reaction.” Arkema also has a new nitroxide-mediated controlled radical polymerisation (NMCRP) technology, which can allow a high degree of control and manipulation in highly reactive resin systems. Arkema; www.arkema.com BlocBuilder; www.blocbuilder.com
it addresses a typical selection of small to medium sized, complex structures that are commonly laid by hand. The maximum part length can be extended by mounting the robot on a robot mover axis. AFP/ATL-0510 Robot comes with Automated Dynamics offline FPM© and on-line FPS© software, which handles the import of part geometry data or the origination of this data, process and ply table data entry, path generation and the human/ machine interface. Automated Dynamics; www.automateddynamics.com
Huron presents mould release
Huron's mould release coating can be used for corrosion resistant products.
HURON TECHNOLOGIES of Leslie, Michigan, USA, is introducing a composite mould release called Mold Release Coating 7575, which maintains details in the compression moulding process using vinyl ester resins. It replaces older products less effective in capturing mould details. According to Huron, 7575 also provides less build-up on the mould surface, less cleanup and maintenance, and ease of release during the moulding process. Huron; www.hurontech.com
Intertape offers new marine masking tape INTERTAPE POLYMER Group (IPG) of Bradenton, Florida, USA, is introducing a new line of Anchor® Marine Products for the marine and composites industry. It includes a performance masking tape called Anchor Orange Mask, which is designed to provide good adhesion to semi-permanent release agents. The Anchor Orange Mask features a vivid colour for product differentiation, tear resistance after gel-coating, residue free clean removal, good adhesion to backing when layered, and short term ultraviolet (UV) resistance. “The marine and composites industry has asked for a tape that works with semi-permanent release agents and Anchor Orange Mask delivers the solution,” says Cindy Stoner, IPG Marine Market Manager. IPG says its products provide solutions for vacuum infusion and resin transfer moulding (RTM), as well as for waterbased mould release agents. "Intertape provides unsurpassed tape technology which allows us to respond to the ever changing needs of the marine and composites industry where new product development is critical," says Dean Blockowitz, IPG Vice President of Industrial Tapes. IPG develops and manufactures specialised polyolefin and paper-based packaging products and complementary packaging systems. Intertape Polymer Group; www.intertapepolymer.com June 2008
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Automated Dynamics robot AUTOMATED DYNAMICS’ Affordable Automation Team is introducing its new Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) and Automated Tape Laying (ATL) robot: AFP/ATL-0510 Robot. It can host a multiple of processing head technologies including thermoset and thermoplastic AFP and ATL. Examples of its use include commercial and military rotorcraft and fixed wing aircraft applications such as tailboom structures, rotor grip elements, horizontal and vertical tailplanes and stabilisers, and jet engine components. It can also be used for processing materials such
as thermoset and thermoplastic matrix prepregs. The thermoplastic system is an in-situ process, yielding full consolidation on the fly, eliminating the need for a post process such as an autoclave cycle. A Kawasaki robot platform was used creating an inexpensive, off the shelf solution. According to Automated Dynamics, the robot brings versatility and a small workcell footprint at the same time as offering a robust production solution. The robot has a standard work envelope of 3 m x 1.5 m and 1.2 m revolute parts with the addition of a spindle system, and
Arkema introduces reactivity controller BLOCBUILDER® RC-50 reactivity controller for closed moulding applications is being introduced by Arkema Inc. The alkoxyamine compound has an extended pot life and offers improved stability to the composites industry. It can be used for pultrusion, sheet moulding compound and bulk moulding compound (SMC/ BMC) manufacturing methods. In addition to extended pot life stability, it is said to offer longer storage time, and reduced scrap, labour and clean-up. It also allows for faster initiator systems and faster line speeds, and improved consistency and quality. BlocBuilder RC-50 is designed to work with several commercially available polyester and low temperature organic peroxide products. The controller is also designed to work with Arkema’s Luperox®
organic peroxides family of high quality products. “With BlocBuilder RC50, unsaturated polyester resin manufacturers and composite moulders have more control in their high temperature curing applications,” says Bob Dixon, Market Manager for Arkema Inc. “Upon heating to temperatures above 60°C, the BlocBuilder RC50 additive will unblock from the polyester resin, and allow the organic peroxide to initiate the reaction.” Arkema also has a new nitroxide-mediated controlled radical polymerisation (NMCRP) technology, which can allow a high degree of control and manipulation in highly reactive resin systems. Arkema; www.arkema.com BlocBuilder; www.blocbuilder.com
it addresses a typical selection of small to medium sized, complex structures that are commonly laid by hand. The maximum part length can be extended by mounting the robot on a robot mover axis. AFP/ATL-0510 Robot comes with Automated Dynamics offline FPM© and on-line FPS© software, which handles the import of part geometry data or the origination of this data, process and ply table data entry, path generation and the human/ machine interface. Automated Dynamics; www.automateddynamics.com
Huron presents mould release
Huron's mould release coating can be used for corrosion resistant products.
HURON TECHNOLOGIES of Leslie, Michigan, USA, is introducing a composite mould release called Mold Release Coating 7575, which maintains details in the compression moulding process using vinyl ester resins. It replaces older products less effective in capturing mould details. According to Huron, 7575 also provides less build-up on the mould surface, less cleanup and maintenance, and ease of release during the moulding process. Huron; www.hurontech.com
Intertape offers new marine masking tape INTERTAPE POLYMER Group (IPG) of Bradenton, Florida, USA, is introducing a new line of Anchor® Marine Products for the marine and composites industry. It includes a performance masking tape called Anchor Orange Mask, which is designed to provide good adhesion to semi-permanent release agents. The Anchor Orange Mask features a vivid colour for product differentiation, tear resistance after gel-coating, residue free clean removal, good adhesion to backing when layered, and short term ultraviolet (UV) resistance. “The marine and composites industry has asked for a tape that works with semi-permanent release agents and Anchor Orange Mask delivers the solution,” says Cindy Stoner, IPG Marine Market Manager. IPG says its products provide solutions for vacuum infusion and resin transfer moulding (RTM), as well as for waterbased mould release agents. "Intertape provides unsurpassed tape technology which allows us to respond to the ever changing needs of the marine and composites industry where new product development is critical," says Dean Blockowitz, IPG Vice President of Industrial Tapes. IPG develops and manufactures specialised polyolefin and paper-based packaging products and complementary packaging systems. Intertape Polymer Group; www.intertapepolymer.com June 2008
REINFORCEDplastics
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