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Non-invasive strain gauge ‘more accurate’
Simulating moulding
liquid
Non-invasive strain gauge ‘more accurate’ us
ES1 GROUP, USA, has launched a software package for aiding the design of composite parts made using processes such as resin transfer moulding (RTM), vacuum assisted RTM and resin film infusion. Developed specifically for liquid composite moulding processes, LCMFLOT 2001 aims to help users decrease part weight and improve quality in composite components used in industries such as aerospace, consumer automotive and goods. Applications range from wing parts, fuselage panels and rotors, to bodywork pieces and composite floorings. ES1 says the technology is already being used by a leading US automotive manufacturer and the European Aerospace Defence and Space Co @ADS). The software is designed to provide an easy-to-use simulation package with solutions for preliminary design as well as refined calculations for mould optimization and final design verification. It can simulate both thin and massive complex parts and designs can be tested
before physical prototyping, which the company says results in time and cost savings throughout the tooling and injection processes, and increases in product performance. LCMFLOT 2001 is designed to optimize moulding parameters such as the injection pressure, flow rate and moulding temperature. It also computes closure forces, and improves the design and reduces the weight of a mould. It enables the visualization of the flow front in the cavity to prevent filling problems such as dry spots, and optimizes the position of injection gates and vents and pressure distribution during mould filling, in addition to predicting the curing evolution inside the mould cavity. The user also has the option to insert sensors to enable the control of the calculation of trends of various parameters involved in the filling process, such as temperature, pressure and extent of cure. ES1 Group; tel: +l-810-3234610; fax: +l-81O-323-461 1; website: www.esi-group.com.
COMPANY Quantum Magnetics is developing a noninvasive gauge for measuring residual strains in composite structures such as those used in bridges, buildings, boats and aircraft. According to the company, the technology, which is being developed over a twoyear period, will be able to measure residual strains from the surface of a composite part using either a hand held or larger device. Quantum says it aims to produce a gauge that can overcome the disadvantages associated with measuring techniques where wires are embedded within the composite. It says use of such embedded systems is limited because it is not possible to accurately quantify potential strains.
The new gauge is based on quadrupole resonance technology, which is similar to the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology commonly used in hospitals. In order for the system to work, a small amount of crystals are added to the composite during manufacture. The system uses radio frequency coils to produce a pulse, and the crystals emit a characteristic response from which the gauge calculates the residual strain. According to Quantum, laboratory tests carried out on the crystals showed that they do not affect the prop erties of the composite. Quantum says the system could be used for a number of quality control and in-service monitoring applications. Quantum Magnetics; tel: +l858-566-9200; fax: +I -858~5669388; website: www.qm.com.
In mould welding BIRKBY’S Plastics, UK, has launched a new manufacturing process that it says will enable complex plastic parts to be moulded and welded together in one simple process. Developed by Swan Valley in conjunction with Birkby’s and DEMAG, the patented in mould welding (IMW) process is currently being tested on reinforced polyamide glass (PA), as well as other non-reinforced plastics. The process begins with a first injection stroke to produce the male and female parts of the vessel. After the mould tool is opened and the feed systems have been removed, one half of the tool is rotated to align the male and female parts. A robotic arm
then inserts the filter, the tool is closed and a further injection. moulding action creates the weld. The component is then removed from the tool fully assembled. According to the company, the process can reduce costs for composites moulders because unlike other methods, no additional welding equipment is required. It is also less labourintensive. Birkby’s is currently considering licensing the technique for use in a number of plastics applications, including the production of medical equipment. Birkby’s Plastics Ltd; tel: +441924-414200; fax: +44-1924400051; website: www.birkbys. co.uk.
January 2002
REIMFORCEDplastics
17
liquid
Non-invasive strain gauge ‘more accurate’ us
ES1 GROUP, USA, has launched a software package for aiding the design of composite parts made using processes such as resin transfer moulding (RTM), vacuum assisted RTM and resin film infusion. Developed specifically for liquid composite moulding processes, LCMFLOT 2001 aims to help users decrease part weight and improve quality in composite components used in industries such as aerospace, consumer automotive and goods. Applications range from wing parts, fuselage panels and rotors, to bodywork pieces and composite floorings. ES1 says the technology is already being used by a leading US automotive manufacturer and the European Aerospace Defence and Space Co @ADS). The software is designed to provide an easy-to-use simulation package with solutions for preliminary design as well as refined calculations for mould optimization and final design verification. It can simulate both thin and massive complex parts and designs can be tested
before physical prototyping, which the company says results in time and cost savings throughout the tooling and injection processes, and increases in product performance. LCMFLOT 2001 is designed to optimize moulding parameters such as the injection pressure, flow rate and moulding temperature. It also computes closure forces, and improves the design and reduces the weight of a mould. It enables the visualization of the flow front in the cavity to prevent filling problems such as dry spots, and optimizes the position of injection gates and vents and pressure distribution during mould filling, in addition to predicting the curing evolution inside the mould cavity. The user also has the option to insert sensors to enable the control of the calculation of trends of various parameters involved in the filling process, such as temperature, pressure and extent of cure. ES1 Group; tel: +l-810-3234610; fax: +l-81O-323-461 1; website: www.esi-group.com.
COMPANY Quantum Magnetics is developing a noninvasive gauge for measuring residual strains in composite structures such as those used in bridges, buildings, boats and aircraft. According to the company, the technology, which is being developed over a twoyear period, will be able to measure residual strains from the surface of a composite part using either a hand held or larger device. Quantum says it aims to produce a gauge that can overcome the disadvantages associated with measuring techniques where wires are embedded within the composite. It says use of such embedded systems is limited because it is not possible to accurately quantify potential strains.
The new gauge is based on quadrupole resonance technology, which is similar to the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology commonly used in hospitals. In order for the system to work, a small amount of crystals are added to the composite during manufacture. The system uses radio frequency coils to produce a pulse, and the crystals emit a characteristic response from which the gauge calculates the residual strain. According to Quantum, laboratory tests carried out on the crystals showed that they do not affect the prop erties of the composite. Quantum says the system could be used for a number of quality control and in-service monitoring applications. Quantum Magnetics; tel: +l858-566-9200; fax: +I -858~5669388; website: www.qm.com.
In mould welding BIRKBY’S Plastics, UK, has launched a new manufacturing process that it says will enable complex plastic parts to be moulded and welded together in one simple process. Developed by Swan Valley in conjunction with Birkby’s and DEMAG, the patented in mould welding (IMW) process is currently being tested on reinforced polyamide glass (PA), as well as other non-reinforced plastics. The process begins with a first injection stroke to produce the male and female parts of the vessel. After the mould tool is opened and the feed systems have been removed, one half of the tool is rotated to align the male and female parts. A robotic arm
then inserts the filter, the tool is closed and a further injection. moulding action creates the weld. The component is then removed from the tool fully assembled. According to the company, the process can reduce costs for composites moulders because unlike other methods, no additional welding equipment is required. It is also less labourintensive. Birkby’s is currently considering licensing the technique for use in a number of plastics applications, including the production of medical equipment. Birkby’s Plastics Ltd; tel: +441924-414200; fax: +44-1924400051; website: www.birkbys. co.uk.
January 2002
REIMFORCEDplastics
17