Mikrosam signs contract to supply GKN Fokker with equipment for thermoplastic manufacturing

 GKN Fokker has selected Mikrosam to deliver advanced equipment for development of aircraft parts with thermoplastic composites (TPC). This suite includes Mikrosam’s latest Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) machine, slitting equipment for thermoplastic prepregs and a custom-engineered thermoplastic consolidating machine.

 

When installed, this equipment will add to GKN Fokker’s advanced manufacturing and R&D capabilities to produce complex 3D parts for the aviation industry.

 

Mikrosam offers one of the most cost-competitive and proven AFP solutions for thermoplastic composites with many advancements for maximum productivity. Designed as an integrated, modular, and upgradeable AFP work-cell, the 8-axis robotic AFP machine is capable of automated and precise placement of thermoplastic fibers. The system uses a multi-material AFP head with bi-directional placement on open and closed 3D shapes and mandrel surfaces. Combined with an automatic head exchange system, customers can obtain new multi-tow AFP or ATL heads or additional equipment for future use on the same work cell. Mikrosam’s AFP heads are also designed with flexibility and time-saving features, such as easy access to material spools, and quick servicing of consumable and spare parts with minimized down-times. This ensures customers with high reliability, productivity and flexibility in advanced composites manufacturing.

 

Using thermoplastics – the next generation of composite materials – is becoming a priority in the aerospace industry for increasing production rates. Using a laser heating source, precise temperature and angle control, and a closed-loop process, Mikrosam’s AFP machines have proven results for in-situ consolidation of TPCs with better mechanical properties. Mikrosam’s extensive research and experience in development programs with many aerospace and automotive customers provides a fast-track to production with thermoplastic composites which are recyclable and more environmentally friendly.

 

Dimitar Bogdanoski, Sales Manager at Mikrosam DOO, states:“Today the market demands better automated thermoplastics layup and higher utilization of AFP machines. Our modular, upgradeable AFP systems give customers higher ROI with the ability to use multiple AFP or ATL heads on the same configuration. Customers can reduce cycle-times for parts and increase utilization of the AFP work-cell. When combined with our sophisticated control for in-situ consolidation of thermoplastic composites, our AFP machines provide excellent solutions for many industries.”

 

To complement the AFP system, GKN Fokker will receive equipment for wide and narrow prepreg tape slitting and rewinding to prepare spools. The slitting and rewinding machine works with thermoplastic prepregs to produce spools of various sizes and re-winding styles, e.g. from 300mm wide tape down to ¼” tapes used in AFP. This equipment is a cost-effective solution for integrating prepreg into narrow tape production and AFP process. Additionally, Mikrosam will deliver a custom-engineered consolidation press for advanced products made of thermoplastic composites. The complete automation of the AFP machine is powered by MikroPlace – a CATIA-compatible solution for analysis and simulation of composite parts – and QCS (Quality Control System) which offers continuous improvement via data monitoring and traceability.（来源：MIKROSAM）