CompositesWorld New Products for Feb. 12, 2020
The latest technology from Composites Evolution, and AZCO
50°C cure epoxy tooling prepreg
This low-temperature, 12-hour-cure tooling prepreg is the latest product in Composites Evolution’s Evopreg EPT tooling epoxy range.
Source | Composites Evolution
Composites Evolution’s (Chesterfield, U.K.) 50°C, 12-hour-cure tooling
prepreg is the latest product in the company’s Evopreg EPT tooling epoxy range, and is designed to enable molders to create tools with optimal surface finish and high dimensional stability.
This specially developed prepreg is also reported to have an extended outlife, enabling large or complex tools to be manufactured with minimal waste. Additional features are said to include good tack and drape for easy layup, excellent release from patterns, high service temperature performance (180°C after post-cure) and excellent surface finish.
According to the company, the addition of this product to the Evopreg tooling epoxy range enables customers to produce high-quality tools with a shorter, 12-hour cure cycle. Tools can now be laid-up and cured overnight, ready to be used the following morning.
Composites Evolution’s EPT tooling resins are available for a range of carbon, glass and flax reinforcement fabrics.
Automated system eliminates manual material pleating, cutting
AZCO Corp.’s custom cut-to-length system features a material flow package, pleating station and heat set station.
Source | AZCO Corp.
AZCO Corp.’s (Fairfield, N.J., U.S.) custom cut-to-length system features a material flow package, pleating station and heat set station, designed to eliminate the need for manual unwinding of gauze from a roll, folding it into pleats, pressing it and then cutting it to length.
In the AZCO system, a motorized unwind feeds the material to drive rollers that advance the material into the pleating station, where stainless steel funnel guides take the gauze and fold it into pleats. Exit guides lead the material into the heat set station, where heated idle rollers press the pleats into place. A laminar air flow of ionized air floats the product through the knife assembly, preventing static charge. The pleated, pressed material is then cut to length. An operator control panel is provided for easy setup and operation of the unit. A base plate and clear anodized frame align the stations and support the unit. The system requires 110/230 VAC and compressed air.
Taber Industries launches new models of precision test instrument
Available with a single or dual turntable, the Taber Rotary Platform Abraser is a precision test instrument used to evaluate a material’s resistance to wear.
Model 1700. Source | Taber Industries
Taber Industries’ (North Tonawanda, N.Y., U.S.) updated Taber Rotary Platform Abraser is a precision test instrument used to evaluate resistance to wear for a variety of materials, including plastics, textiles and coated surfaces. The instrument is available in two models — the single turntable Model 1700 or the dual turntable Model 1750.
The updated instrument models have been re-engineered for an aesthetically pleasing, modern appearance and enhanced user experience. An LCD operator touch screen provides an easy-to-use interface with features such as abrader status, visual reference of test complete, cycles/time toggle (complete or remaining), pause interval and more.
Model 1750. Source | Taber Industries
The Model 1700/1750 is designed for long-lasting use and includes a precision-machined, cast aluminum support frame that incorporates alignment pins to ensure exact arm placement in relation to the specimen holder. Compact abraser arm assemblies are individually calibrated and include wave springs to reduce clearance in the bearing assemblies. Push-button quick release wheel mounting hubs include an expanding collet and spring loaded, beveled retaining nut that provides a positive locking force on the hub retaining lip that makes certain the abrading wheels remain securely fastened until disengaged.
A vacuum system removes wear debris during the test and includes a reconfigured air flow that eliminates right angle stops. The vacuum nozzle has been designed with replaceable, screw-in nozzle tips including the nominal 8-mm and optional oversized 11-mm. An improved precision vacuum nozzle height adjustment control eliminates binding when the operator adjusts the gap between the nozzle and specimen surface.
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