Case study
Cutting of Pre-impregnated Composite Materials
THE PROJECT
An innovative product with a challenging and engaging application, led by a prestigious name: Giovanni Soldini, the most internationally renowned Italian sailor, heading the project for the construction of an advanced, high-tech vessel. This is the context in which one of the latest projects by Cutting Edge Automation Machines, focused on applications in the world of composite materials, was launched.
The challenge, met with enthusiasm from the beginning, was to automate the process of cutting composite materials – carbon fiber and fiberglass – intended for the creation of a state-of-the-art boat, equipped with advanced technologies to ply seas and oceans.
The request specifically concerned the optimization of processing times to meet a strict production schedule that dictated the workflow — including cutting, autoclave processing, and subsequent operations — on a week-by-week basis.
THE TARGET
- Repeatability
- Speed
- Precision
- Resource Optimization
- Efficiency
These were the key pillars of the project on which Cutting Edge Automation Machines focused in order to deliver a high-performance machine in terms of processing time, cutting quality, and waste optimization.
THE SOLUTION
The selected machine is the SM-332-TA conveyor plotter, in the 1.8×2 m version. The wide range of installable tools made it possible to process the different types of material used.
In addition, Cutting Edge Automation Machines has developed a tool, the Spike, the use of which makes it possible to improve product yield at the curing stage.
INNOVATION: SPIKE TOOL
To improve lamination quality and reduce internal defects, carbon fiber sheets can be perforated prior to the autoclave curing cycle.
For this purpose, we developed a new tool—Spike—which optimizes the micro-perforation process of carbon fiber layers before cutting.
These micro-perforations allow trapped air between lamination layers to escape during curing, preventing the formation of internal porosity (air bubbles) and delamination.
- Enhances resin flow
- Facilitates even pressure distribution
- Improves contact between prepreg layers
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SM-332-TA
Digital Cutting plotter with Conveyor Belt
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