Automated system eliminates manual material pleating, cutting
AZCO Corp.’s custom cut-to-length system features a material flow package, pleating station and heat set station.
.jpg;width=70;height=70;mode=crop;format=webp)
Source | AZCO Corp.
AZCO Corp.’s (Fairfield, N.J., U.S.) custom cut-to-length system features a material flow package, pleating station and heat set station, designed to eliminate the need for manual unwinding of gauze from a roll, folding it into pleats, pressing it and then cutting it to length.
In the AZCO system, a motorized unwind feeds the material to drive rollers that advance the material into the pleating station, where stainless steel funnel guides take the gauze and fold it into pleats. Exit guides lead the material into the heat set station, where heated idle rollers press the pleats into place. A laminar air flow of ionized air floats the product through the knife assembly, preventing static charge. The pleated, pressed material is then cut to length. An operator control panel is provided for easy setup and operation of the unit. A base plate and clear anodized frame align the stations and support the unit. The system requires 110/230 VAC and compressed air.
Related Content
-
Plant tour: Aernnova Composites, Toledo and Illescas, Spain
RTM and ATL/AFP high-rate production sites feature this composites and engineering leader’s continued push for excellence and innovation for future airframes.
-
The potential for thermoplastic composite nacelles
Collins Aerospace draws on global team, decades of experience to demonstrate large, curved AFP and welded structures for the next generation of aircraft.
-
Combining multifunctional thermoplastic composites, additive manufacturing for next-gen airframe structures
The DOMMINIO project combines AFP with 3D printed gyroid cores, embedded SHM sensors and smart materials for induction-driven disassembly of parts at end of life.