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Automated Preforming in composite manufacturing

Many composite forming processes such as press consolidation, press forming, vacuum forming or diaphragm forming are based on the use of tailored 2D preforms or blanks. Although the forming processes are usually efficiently automated, the blanks or preforms going into these processes are often produced manually. By automating the production of preforms, you can match the rate of follow-on processes and significantly reduce manual labour.

Your benefits with using Automated Preforming:

Automation of preforming ensures high volume production at constant quality. Manual preforming is a repetitive process which requires both skill and concentration from the operators. With higher production rates it becomes increasingly difficult for operators to keep up with production while maintaining quality. Automated Preforming can solve these challenges by handling plies, assembling blanks
robustly and can even include automatic inspection systems. Digital traceability throughout the process ensures transparency on your shop floor.

Eliminates manual lay-up
100% net-shape
Suitable for dry fibre and thermoplastic
Extremely versatile: can handle any material form

Further advantages are:

Reduce manual labour
Redeploy skilled workers
Reduce cost of quality control
Easy adaption of production rate
Allows for high product mix with short turnover times

How it works

To go from roll or ply kits to stabilised 2D preforms, Airborne has developed a toolbox of technologies to suit a large range of materials and production rates. The building blocks can be combined to achieve the optimal automation solution, from small, flexible R&D systems to high volume production lines. Easy programming allows for short start up times with minimum engineering effort. Thermoplastic composite blanks or dry fibre preforms with a binder can be stabilised with spot welds.

Specifications

Every Preforming cell is a bespoke product for our clients. Using a building block approach, we combine our existing, proven technologies into one turn-key cell for specific requirements. Airborne is able to digitally connect all building blocks. You can keep an overview of the progress in your production remotely. We offer personal consultation with our technical experts to identify the optimal solution for your manufacturing challenge.