iCOMAT and CGTech push new frontiers in composite part manufacture

CGTech, the developer of VERICUT verification, simulation and optimisation software, is announcing an exciting reseller agreement with Bristol-based iCOMAT, pioneer of the first-ever defect-free tape-steering process for composite component production. The special worldwide arrangement will see iCOMAT sell and support a dedicated version of VERICUT VCP/VCS software in support of its patented manufacturing process for composites.

Providing the basis for this success is #iCOMAT’s unique composites #production process, known as Rapid Tow Shearing (RTS). Due to manufacturing limitations, conventional composite part design relies on straight fibre layers, leading to structures which use more material than necessary and are heavier and more expensive as a result. In contrast, iCOMAT’s innovative process enables the #defectfree steering of #compositetapes for the first time. The placement of these tapes along complex load paths delivers highly optimised structures with dramatic weight savings and lower use of raw material in support of cost-effective and more sustainable composite parts.

iCOMAT’s industrial cells comprise a proprietary tape-laying head mounted as an end effector to a state-of-the-art six-axis #industrialrobotarm, all located inside a safety cell. As part of this solution, programming and virtual simulation will come via a special version of VERICUT VCP (VERICUT Composites Programming)/VCS (VERICUT Composites Simulation) software complete with a new interface specifically for iCOMAT’s technology. iCOMAT will be the exclusive reseller of this software worldwide.

Explains Dr Dominic Bloom, Business Development Manager at iCOMAT: “Software is an integral part of our turnkey offer; customers must program and simulate their composite components to unlock optimised designs. CGTech are leaders in this field, so we definitely picked the right partner and know we can make our worldwide reseller agreement a success.”

Adds Olivier Munaux, Composites Product Manager, #CGTech: “Our powerful software will drive the world’s only industrial machines that can steer wide #composite tapes without defects at fast rates. iCOMAT is pioneering this technology, disrupting the way engineers design composites, so it makes absolute sense for them to be the official global reseller of our RTS-specific VERICUT VCP/VCS #software. Together, we can push new frontiers in automated composite part manufacturing.”

Source:www.cgtech.co.uk/jeccomposites.com

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Today's KNOWLEDGE Share:Biobased Plastic materials challenges

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share

When trying to move to plant-based or biosourced plastic materials, a whole host of challenges will come-up.

Due to intrinsically lower Tg of bio-materials, chances are that you will have to transition to semi-crystalline materials and develop a very skillful mastering of precise shrinkage control in your molding process. Subtle physical phenomena including molecular orientation, flow induced crystallinity, slow dimensional recovery by relaxation will make your life a bit more complicated.

Lower thermal stability will also seriously tighten-up your limits in terms of thermal control and residence time in your process. Drying may suddenly become a critical step too.

Overall, a much better and deeper understanding of the molding process and specific plastic materials will be needed to address these challenges.

Source:Vito Leo

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#plastics #biobased #injectionmolding #shrinkage #semicrystalline #thermal #orientation

University of Queensland to make ultra-high temperature composite materials for hypersonic flight

The furnace is the first of its type in Australia, allowing UQ researchers to make the next generation of ultra-high temperature composite materials for hypersonic flight.

Hypersonic vehicles travel more than five times faster than the speed of sound, and Associate Professor Michael Heitzmann said they have to be made from materials that can withstand extremely high temperatures caused by aerodynamic heating.

“That’s where UQ and our new furnace at the Centre for Advanced Materials Processing and Manufacturing – or AMPAM comes in,” Dr Heitzmann said. “We are working directly with industry to identify appropriate and cost-effective high temperature #ceramicmatrixcomposites or CMCs, tailored to hypersonic flight applications. In areas like a rocket nozzle or a hypersonic vehicle, the temperatures we’re talking about approach those seen on the surface of the sun. We are trying to get the utmost temperature resistance out of our material and find the most thermal-resistant materials possible. We are pioneering CMC manufacturing in Australia – it is a rare class of material because it’s extremely lightweight and has exceptional heat resistance.”

The components made in the German-manufactured furnace will be used by companies such as Brisbane-based #aerospace manufacturer Hypersonix Launch Systems, which specialises in hypersonic technology and scramjet engines.

Hypersonix Manufacturing Lead Sam Grieve said the UQ team would produce an engine part for the DART AE, a three-metre-long, single-use vehicle, powered by a hydrogen -fuelled SPARTAN scramjet engine.

“The insert is in a part of the engine that could be subjected to temperatures more than 1300 degrees Celsius, due to #hypersonicflows and #shockwaves,” Sam Grieve said. “Normal metal alloys would fail at that temperature, so we need high-performance lightweight materials to ensure the engine will survive in flight.”

Sam Grieve said UQ’s AMPAM group would have a capability to produce high quality CMC’s with #temperatureresistance not previously possible in #Australia.

“This is a very important sovereign capability and an important puzzle piece in establishing an Australian space and hypersonics industry,” he said. “The ultimate goal for Hypersonix is a multi-mission autonomous vehicle capable of delivering satellites to orbit while producing no CO2 in its exhaust. Our Engineering team is excited to be working with UQ to deliver outcomes that could see #Hypersonix competing internationally, and to see Australia at the forefront of international #spacetechnologies.”

Source:www.uq.edu.au/jeccomposites.com

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OQ Chemicals Introduces TCD Alcohol DM with Bio-circular DCPD

OQ Chemicals to supply ISCC PLUS certified Oxbalance® TCD Alcohol DM (tricyclodecane dimethanol), in response to growing market preferences for environmentally friendly alternatives. This product is manufactured using the bio-circular precursor DCPD (#dicyclopentadiene) from #Shell Chemicals Europe, which is also #ISCC Plus certified.

The strategic #collaboration between the two companies will ensure a reliable supply of bio-circular DCPD to support OQ Chemicals’ production.

Sustainable & Environmentally Conscious Alternative

TCD Alcohol DM serves as a versatile component in the production of high-performance technical polymers, paints and coatings, and adhesives used across sectors such as food packaging, electronics, and automotive. It is valued for its exceptional ability to enhance the properties of the final product, including improved durability, chemical resistance, and thermal stability.

The #biobasedOxbalance TCD Alcohol DM serves as a #sustainable and environmentally conscious alternative to its fully synthetic counterpart.

“#OQChemicals’ new Oxbalance offering aligns with changing market preferences as customers increasingly seek out more sustainable alternatives without compromising quality or performance. Our partnership with Shell Chemicals Europe ensures a consistent supply of high-quality #biocircular DCPD for our production. With Oxbalance® TCD Alcohol DM, we’ve added another product to our portfolio that supports our customers on their path towards more #sustainability,” said Kyle Hendrix, executive vice president marketing at OQ Chemicals.

“Our collaboration with OQ Chemicals to deliver ISCC PLUS-certified bio-circular DCPD that is based on a mass balance approach is another example of how Shell Chemicals works with customers to develop solutions to meet their objectives,” said Liz Allen, director, Shell Chemicals Europe. “It’s also an example of how Shell is committed to delivering premium quality sustainable solutions to support a circular economy.”

OxBalance is a registered trademark of OQ Chemicals. The mass balance method allocates renewable feedstock in manufacturing. ISCC PLUS certification by the International Sustainability & Carbon Certification organization confirms environmentally responsible sourcing and strict sustainability compliance.

Source: OQ Chemicals/specialchem

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TYPE 4 Composite CNG/H2 PROJECT REPORT

TYPE 4 COMPOSITE CNG/H2 TANK PROJECT REPORT is available on a competitive pricing-Moving Toward a user friendly and a safer environment.

This report has covered the following topics:

■An overview landscape of the market

■Global Natural Gas Vehicles (NGVs) market

■ Latest technological advancements in Type 3/4 COMPOSITE CNG Cylinder market

■ Merger & Acquisition 

■ Major players share

■ Investment structure

■ Standards

■ costing and certification

■ Automotive Type 4 CNG/H2 Composite cylinder market in India and the rest of the world

■ Bulk transportation Type 4 CNG Composite cylinder market in India and the rest of the world

■ Swot analysis

■ The durability of the Type 4 Composite CNG cylinder

■ Initial Project cost to set up CNG/H2 manufacturing line

■ Strategic Model followed by the KEY PLAYERS

■ Economic efficiency & safety, 

■ The Future Trends in Composite CNG/HYDROGEN Cylinder market

Interested companies/Professionals do write to me at rosaram211@gmail.com to get more information on the PRICING of the report.

Gruntech Polymer Consultants offers consulting services for composite LPG/CNG/H2 cylinder design,manufacturing,Training,Testing and Government approvals.

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#composites #type4cylinders # #alternativeenergy #hydrogenstorage #hydrogeneconomy #hydrogenfuelcells #cng #cgd

# #manufacturing #carbonneutral #project #investment #automotive #consulting #environment #transportation #marketresearchreports #trailers # #naturalgas #consultants #safety