SGL KÜMPERS
JEG Innovation Award for automated carbon fibre preform technology / Project with EADS and Airbus
 Configuration of frame production: transport system (A), UD tape feed (B), braider 1 (C), winder (D), braider 2 (E) (Diagram: EADS/SGL) |
SGL Kümpers (Rheine / Germany; www.sgl-kuempers.com), Airbus Operations and EADS Innovation Works’ research centre in Munich has developed a process for the automated continuous production of carbon fibre frame preforms for aircraft fuselages. Known as BRAided Frames Technology (BRAF) it combines various technologies such as braiding, winding and UD tape application. According to SGL Kümpers BRAF provides adequate repeatability and increases flexibility in the design of frames for the serial production of aircrafts.
The process was demonstrated at the JEC exhibition in Paris / France using a 12k 800 tex carbon fibre from Toho Tenax (Europe: Toho Tenax Europe, Wuppertal / Germany; www.tohotenax-eu.com) and "K85 Grilon" from Ems-Grivory (Domat / Switzerland; www.emsgrivory.com) as the fixing fibre. Based on technology already used by BMW to produce bumper mounts, the production line braids and winds the carbon fibre filaments and polyester fibres around a metal frame with the required cross-section. The fixing fibre melts during curing. The JEC Innovation Award 2010 in the “Automation” category has been presented to the companies that developed BRAF.
The process was demonstrated at the JEC exhibition in Paris / France using a 12k 800 tex carbon fibre from Toho Tenax (Europe: Toho Tenax Europe, Wuppertal / Germany; www.tohotenax-eu.com) and "K85 Grilon" from Ems-Grivory (Domat / Switzerland; www.emsgrivory.com) as the fixing fibre. Based on technology already used by BMW to produce bumper mounts, the production line braids and winds the carbon fibre filaments and polyester fibres around a metal frame with the required cross-section. The fixing fibre melts during curing. The JEC Innovation Award 2010 in the “Automation” category has been presented to the companies that developed BRAF.
 Demonstration plant designed by Airbus (Photo: EADS/SGL) |
10.05.2010 Plasteurope.com [216076]
Published on 10.05.2010
German version of this article...