At JEC World 2023 (25-27 April), Compo TechPLUS, spol. s r.o (Hall 6, G71) will be showcasing their capabilities with automated fibre winding and laying technology. The highlight will be their latest, custom built, automated fibre winding machine, with fibre placement using a FANUC 6-axis robot. CompoTech, more widely known for advanced composite component manufacturing, has always used its own winding technology, which it is now offering as part of a bespoke design robot assisted filament laying machine to meet specific customer requirements.
The automated production machine on show includes an integrated robot arm and specially designed ‘end of arm’ fibre delivery head tooling; the robot arm also provides fully automated tool changes, and part loading and unloading. The new machine has been programmed to manufacture a new type of carbon fibre (CF) epoxy composite pallet, which can be seen in operation during the JEC show. The new design lightweight, high strength, carbon epoxy pallet was also developed by CompoTech.
The CF pallet design and machine build project was commissioned by a leading logistics company as part sustainability improving investments being made; the new CF composite pallets will replace existing, much heavier, metal pallets, to significantly reduce transportation costs and the carbon footprint of future deliveries.
The design of the CF epoxy pallets includes CompoTech’s proprietary axial fibre winding technology and its integrated loop technology (ILT) which produces fixture free joints; both technologies have been successfully demonstrated on an off-road bike frame, shortlisted for a JEC World 2023 Innovation award, which is being showcased during the show in the JEC World ‘Industry’ Innovation Plant.
A key advantage for composite manufacturers looking at automated fibre winding production options is that CompoTech includes both of these unique, proprietary continuous fibre winding technologies as part of its automated machine system’s functionality. CompoTech’s automated production system also includes in-house developed ‘SNEG’ fibre placement and winding software that controls the robot arm and winding mandrel; the SNEG software converts a design specification into a production programme to precision manufacture CF epoxy composite components.
The company has recently expanded its business, with more resources now focused on designing and supplying ‘turnkey’ automated fibre winding machines with full system service and support. During JEC World 2023, CompoTech is looking to meet with companies interested in discussing their specific requirements for custom designed CF epoxy components and automated production machines.
JEC World 2023 visitors to the CompoTech stand will also be able to find out about ongoing development projects to produce components and machines for OEMs and Tier 1 specialist producers looking to manufacture next generation ‘linerless’ hydrogen tanks for applications such as energy storage, aviation, HGVs, and mass transportation.
CompoTech is an established global supplier of innovative carbon epoxy component designs and automated carbon fibre placement solutions. The knowledge and expertise gained from successful process development projects and the production of high precision, dynamic automation manufacturing systems is transferrable across a wide cross-section of industries including: aerospace, agriculture, defence, automotive, transport, bicycles and leisure marine.