Complete machine solution provides on-demand towpreg production

Photo Credit: Century Design Inc.

Century Design Inc. (CDI, San Diego, Calif., U.S.), a machine manufacturing OEM specializing in composite processing equipment, has developed a complete machine solution for the on-demand production of precision towpreg, an in-house material supply alternative for parts makers.

CDI’s patented OnDemand process, which is said to reimagine the towpreg impregnation production process, is fully automated and can deploy precisely when and where it is needed. Traditional process steps have been streamlined into a single, enclosed, automated machine cell measuring only 10' (3 m) × 4' (1.2 m). The solution delivers multiple benefits in terms of safety, ease of operation and consistency of raw material supply while also contributing to reductions in energy requirements and waste generation.

The OnDemand precision towpreg production line is designed to be as simple to operate as an ink jet printer. With an ink jet printer, for example, the user loads the paper and drops in an ink cartridge before pressing “print.” With the precision towpreg processing line, the operator loads a fiber spool, installs a resin cartridge and presses “run” before the machine automatically produces ready to use, precision towpreg to the customer’s precise specifications, with full processing and data collection records. Resin system and product changeovers are fast and easily facilitated.

The combination of point of processing conversion, fully automated processing and small footprint provides reductions in non-value-added costs, lead time and material scrap, according to CDI. As a result, there is an increase in responsiveness and production flexibility.

The precision impregnation process supports ±2% resin content and promotes a consistent shape, maintaining better tolerance throughout the roll than currently available towpreg material. CDI’s towpreg and OnDemand manufacturing technology is production-tested using all major fiber and resin variants from standard epoxies and toughened epoxies up to BMI systems.