Manufacturing processes

Sobelcomp manufacturing processes

The different techniques used for manufacturing pies of composite material

RTM

Resin Transfer Moulding (RTM) is a process using a mould and a countermould. The reinforcement (fibres) is placed in the mould. This is then closed by a countermould and the matrix (resin) can be injected inside. Pressure can go up to 10 bars.

RTM Light

RTM Light is similar to RTM. The difference is in the weight and rigidity of the countermould, which is lighter with RTM Light. The pressure at which the resin is injected is also lower, usually not exceeding 3 bars. A vacuum (0.2 to 0.3 bars) is applied to facilitate the spread of the resin.

Infusion

The infusion process involves a closed mould. One or more layers of reinforcement are placed in a mould and then covered with a hermetic plastic film that acts as a countermould. The resin – which is never in contact with the ambient air – is infused between the mould and the film and impregnates the reinforcements. A vacuum is created between the mould and the film meaning that the resin can be infused correctly in all areas.

Vacuum compaction

With the vacuum compaction process, the resin is distributed and applied directly before a countermould is added in the form of a film that is more elastic than the one used for infusion. A vacuum is then created to evacuate surplus resin.

Robotic machining

Sobelcomp has a Kuka F-85600 6-axis robot. Robot fitted with a high-speed milling head capable of routing/drilling large items up to 2,500 x 2,500 x 1,500.

A range of benefits:

  • Low operation costs
  • Easy to programme
  • Can repeat cuts under to 0.2mm depending on axes
  • Ideal for short to medium runs (from 50 to 3,000 items/year)
  • Reduces cycle times
  • Less heavy manual work for operators

ASSEMBLY

Sobelcomp operators can carry our assembly and pre-assembly operations to suit customer specifications. The following functional options can be incorporated: hinge, electric wiring, all kinds of insert etc. These have to be directly moulded in with precisions.