VACUUM PRESS FOR MOLDING LARGE COMPOSITE STRUCTURES
DESCRIPTION
The asset main element is a vacuum press equipped with a silicone elastomeric membrane and a worktable for shaping thermoplastic and thermosetting composite parts with a surface up to 310cm x 130cm. The asset allows the development and evaluation of the moldability of fibre reinforcement preforms (glass, carbon, aramid, basalt, …), to obtain monolithic composite parts, sandwich structures and to apply decorative and functional finishes by sublimation on the surfaces of the molded parts. The asset consists of a vacuum system, a sublimation oven, a convection heating unit and a system for pressure, temperature and time monitoring of molding process.
MOST OUTSTANDING EQUIPMENT AND COMPONENTS
Lubricated vacuum pump (Busch)Lubricated vacuum pump (Busch) with a suction power of 63 m3 / h, automatic and continuous operation and maximum pressure up to 9 t / m2 (100 mbar abs).
Process monitoring and control systems: thermocouples and pressure sensors
Sublimation oven. Useful sublimation area 310 x 130 cm. - Heating through an anodized aluminum electric plate. Working temperature 0 - 200 ºC. Programmable digital control of temperature and working time
Vertical frame with flat 2mm thick silicone membrane, maximum elongation: 850%, resistant up to 230ºC. Hydraulic opening and closing
SERVICES OFFERED BY THE ASSET
Application of custom decorative finishes on composite parts
Development of 3D dry fiber preforms
Development of monolithic laminates from prepreg using low-cost molds
Development of sandwich structures and functional multilayer laminates
ENTITY MANAGING THE ASSET
GAIKER
Contact person: Koldo Gondra Zubieta
