Processing news
CPI expands production COMPOSITE PRODUCTS Inc (CPI) based in Winona, Minnesota, USA, has expanded its long fibre thermoplastic (LFT) moulding facilities. The company uses a direct in-line compounding and moulding process called Advantage®. CPI’s new compounding/ moulding system can process 1800 lbs of LFT per hour. The moulding press for the system is a 4000 ton vertical compression press manufactured by Williams, White & Company. CPI currently produces running boards for trucks and sports utility vehicles (SUVs) on the new system. The press bed, measuring 132 inches square is
Composites Europe show catalogue Reinforced Plastics will be publishing the official show catalogue for the Composites Europe 2006 tradeshow. The catalogue will be distributed to all visitors at the exhibition on 20-22 September, in Essen, Germany. Around 200 exhibitors and 3500 visitors are expected at the Composites Europe exhibition, which is being located alongside the Aluminium 2006 tradeshow. Composites Europe is co-organised by Reed Exhibitions and the European composites industry association (EuCIA). Reinforced Plastics is the official media partner of Composites Europe. For further information please contact Mark Sherman at Reinforced Plastics; tel: +441865-843208; e-mail:
[email protected]
large enough to hold two running board moulds at the same time. The new system can also run fully automatic with a robotic arm taking the LFT preform from the extruder, positioning it in the mould, removing the cooled part when the mould opens, and placing the finished part on an assembly line for any secondary or assembly operations which are necessary. CPI moulds products for the automotive, agricultural, furniture and recreational vehicle sectors. Composite Products Inc; www.compositeproducts.com
FAA-approved repair station BROOKHOUSE Composites, Darwen, UK, has been approved by the Federal Aviation Administration as a certified repair station complying with FAR Part 145 certification. This approval means that Brookhouse can repair and overhaul composite components on US-registered aircraft on behalf of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and airlines. Brookhouse already holds EASA Part 145 qualification from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). Brookhouse Composites; www.brookhouse.net
Tubular release film for hollow structures TYGAVAC, UK, can now offer its high temperature film Wrightlon® 5200 in small bore tube format 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 inches wide for use as a self releasing bagging membrane for internal pressure bag applications. Wrightlon 5200 tubing can be used at temperatures up to 232°C. It is reported to provide excellent release characteristics off all common resin systems ensuring easy removal of internal pressure bags from complex hollow structures. Tygavac; www.tygavac.co.uk
Shredders for car parts WEIMA Maschinenbau GmbH, Ilsfeld, Germany, supplies machines for shredding of vehicle parts made from plastic, rubber and composite materials. The equipment is suitable for reject parts and production waste, as well as for parts disassembled from used vehicles. The WLK series of singleshaft shredders and the ZMK series of four-shaft shredders are available. Large volume thermoformed and injection moulded parts such as instrument panels, carpets, interior door claddings can also be shredded. The machines are designed to customers’ specific requirements, according to the type, size and constitution of the materials to be shredded. WEIMA Maschinenbau GmbH; www.weima.com May 2006
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