NAME UV curing composites manufacturing reseaarch cell
Automated cell manufacturing fiberglass composites starting from coils of all types of fiberglass fabrics, MAT, Combi and woven, based on ultraviolet (UV) curing technology. The cell consists of a prototype of manufacturing of preimpregnated UV, which has different processes, such as impregnation, dosing and precurado, and a second prototype of compaction and curing of the final composite, consisting of a compactor head driven by a robot. The cell is completed with the necessary equipment for the monitoring of the process, being able to measure forces, temperatures and degree of curing by means of the measurement of the dielectric properties of the material (DEA analysis). This cell also contemplates the characterization of the final composites by measuring porosity by ultrasound, thickness and fiber content by pyrolysis.
FIELDS OF APPLICATION
Design and development of materials
Manufacturing processes
MOST OUTSTANDING EQUIPMENT AND COMPONENTS
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DEA analysis equipment. Epsilon 288 from NETZSCH
This equipment is capable of making measurements of the dielectric properties of a liquid material while curing occurs. The evolution of these dielectric properties allows us to monitorize the degree of curing in the process, critical parameter in the productive processes of polymeric composites.
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NDT equipment
UT inspection tools: single-element transducers and Phased Array transducers, Olympus Focus PX acquisition system.
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Pirolitic oven
Ovenfor analysis of fiber content by pyrolysis
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Uv curing glass fiber composites compaction and curing equipment
Prototype consisting of a head actuated by a robot. With this prototype the consolidation stage of the final composite is studied by applying UV light and pressure simultaneously.
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UV curing prepregs manufacturing prototype
The processes of manufacturing prepreps with UV resins is researched in this prototipe. The process is composed by three stages, impregnation, dosage and precuring.
SERVICES OFFERED BY THE ASSET
Characterization of porosity, thickness and fiber content
The porosity, thickness and the fiber contentof a composite final part are analyzed.
Complete development of composite piece manufacturing using a new process based on UV technology.
From piece geometry, necessary materials and final application, viability of manufacturing processes of UV prepregs, compaction, curing and characterization.
Degree of curing monitoring by DEA
The curing process is monitored for a specific liquid molding process.
ENTITY MANAGING THE ASSET
Contact person:
Javier Vallejo
fjvallejo@ideko.es