Voith updates roving applicator generation technology

Editor’s note: CompositesWorld received several new product and technology announcements ahead of JEC World 2020, which had been scheduled for March 3-5. Although that exhibition was postponed to May, CW is now publishing the announcements we received. This is one of them.

Voith GmbH’s (Heidenheim, Germany; Hall 6, Booth U37) JEC World 2020 booth, themed “More than lightweight,” is featuring carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) components such as tailored stacks for the automotive and aerospace sectors. The company is also presenting semi-finished products from the second Voith Roving Applicator Generation (VRA NextGen).

The first generation of VRA technology, which the company says has already been very well received in the market and honored with several awards, has been improved to now enable the direct deposition of prepreg tapes. Previously, this was only possible with dry material. Instead of applying a binder, the resin is impregnated directly into the fibers. According to Voith, this further streamlines the process chain and facilitates handling of the workpiece, especially if they are processed within the same production line. The technology is also suitable for series production of CFRP components.

Both the basic VRA technology and the further development VRA NextGen are reported to optimize fiber placement paired with Voith's innovations in fiber conditioning and tape handling. The result is customized stacks that are said to reduce waste and increase cost efficiency.