- Designed specifically for fibre composite applications
- Mould mounting surface of 2.2 by 1.8 metres
- Engel at Composites Europe 2015
Engel has supplied a 1,700-tonne press with mould and integrated HP-RTM equipment to WMG’s Automotive Composite Research Centre at the University of Warwick. The research centre supports the automotive sector to develop new technologies, using the industrial-scale machine to develop mass-production processes for the manufacture of fibre reinforced composite components.
The Engel v-duo machine was designed specifically for fibre composite applications (source: WMG)
Mould mounting surface of 2.2 by 1.8 metres
With a mould mounting surface of 2.2 by 1.8 metres, the machine offers the opportunity to produce a wide range of components and use different materials and manufacturing processes. WMG is a research and education group based at the University of Warwick and works collaboratively with companies to develop innovative products, services and processes. Along with their UK base, they have education centres and partnerships in seven countries. Flexibility is an important factor for the research centre: The Engel machine enables the centre to research thermoset composites prepreg compression moulding (PCM), sheet moulding compound (SMC) compression moulding, HP‑RTM and stamp forming of thermoplastic composites.
“As a development partner with the automotive industry, flexibility is very important to us”, says Prof. Ken Kendall, Professorial Fellow at WMG’s Automotive Composite Research Centre (source: WMG)
Designed specifically for fibre composite applications
The Engel v-duo was designed specifically for fibre composite applications. Compared to conventional presses, the machine is 50 percent shorter in terms of height and about 60 percent lighter. The vertical machine, which is available with clamping forces from 4,000 to 36,000 kN, therefore makes it possible to create compact production cells.
Engel will also present the Engel v-duo series at Composites Europe 2015.
