Alan Harper Composites, a global leader in innovative composite manufacturing, proudly announces its successful collaboration with Notus Fan Engineering, leveraging cutting-edge reusable silicone membrane technology to transform the production of large-scale axial flow cooling fans.
The groundbreaking application of the Alan Harper Composites fiRST Reusable Silicone Membrane System has delivered extraordinary advancements in efficiency, sustainability, and precision for fan blade manufacturing. Notus Fan Engineering, known for its bespoke aerodynamic and structural designs, selected this state-of-the-art solution to elevate its consumable vacuum bagging production processes, meeting stringent performance and environmental standards.
Driving Efficiency and Sustainability
The reusable silicone membrane technology, built with advanced Morph resin distribution channels and integrated vacuum seals, enables rapid and flawless resin infusion. This innovation slashes setup time from 60 minutes to just 5 minutes per cycle and has doubled production output while reducing labour requirements. With just four face moulds and two silicone membranes, the system allows for the daily manufacture of eight high-precision fan blades.
Additionally, the silicone membranes are remarkably durable, with over 800 cycles completed without signs of wear. This reduces waste, lowers CO₂ emissions, and aligns with Notus Fan Engineering’s sustainability goals.
Precision Manufacturing for High-Performance Fans
The implementation of this technology has yielded exceptional product quality:
• Blade weight consistency of less than 0.8%, enabling precise balance.
• Mass distribution variation below 0.6%, ensuring uniform performance across blades.
• Interchangeable components due to unparalleled precision and material control.
These advancements allow for seamless scalability and integration into large projects, such as the six-unit Matimba Power Station in South Africa, which features 288 fans, each with a diameter of 30 feet.
Looking Ahead
As Alan Harper Composites and its partners prepare for their next projects, including the use of Micro Morph invisible resin feed systems for even greater efficiency, they remain committed to setting industry standards. These advancements promise higher production volumes, unmatched cost-effectiveness, and continued confidence in quality and consistency.
To read the full case study, see the article here
Website: www.alanharpercomposites.com