JEC COMPOSITES MAGAZINE - Issue #76 - October/November 2012 - 47

Harper pioneered the Microline™ concept based on the flexibility to change and modify for the needs of customers in research and development of advanced fibre processing techniques. This system accommodates line speeds ranging from 0.1 m/min to over 1 m/min and tows from 10 filaments to 48,000 filaments, and is proven with several installations at universities and research institutions. The fully-integrated and extensively outfitted Microlines are configured for customization with advanced performance equal to Harper’s production scale lines, but in a modest scale for research and development customers. Most lab-scale testing is performed in discontinuous batch processing steps; the Harper International system provides continuous conversion of filamentary material. The system is equally suited for both potential industry clients as well as national and academic research institutes. These systems allow for maximum manipulation of key process parameters, including controlling tension after each unit operation and multiple zones of temperature control in oxidation, pre-carbonization and carbonization. The drive systems are designed for precision control of the forces imparted to the fibre, allowing for flexibility in tow counting, loading and drive position. This flexibility yields greater customization of oxidation, with adjustability zone by zone, pass by pass, and carbonization. www.harperintl.com C. A. Litzler Co., Inc. introduces the G5 End-Seal for their carbon fibre oxidation ovens. Over 15 years of innovative efforts have led the company to develop the more energy efficient 5th generation End-Seal. Resulting from the rapid advancements in the ground-breaking 1995 End-Seal patent, this new technology delivers up to a 50% improvement in energy efficiency. Benefits of the G5 End-Seal: • Eliminates the trapezoidal chamber effect and ensures that the entire length of the oxidation chamber can be used • Highly effective dynamic seal that prevents the escape of toxic gasses into the atmosphere. • Eliminates cold air infiltration into the process chamber and hot air egress coming into the plant. • Saves energy and reduces the overall exhaust for a smaller pollution control system. • The seal chamber reduces the size of the pollution control device up to 50% by eliminating excess exhaust. • Effectively combats the chimney effect. • Maximizes the oven pass-length for increased
equipment

equipment

Microline research systems

> Booth A14

remain competitive on the world market. The success of the Composites Innovation Centre is made possible thanks to support from Western Economic Diversification Canada totaling more than $10 million.
www.wd-deo.gc.ca Thomson carbon fiber bike parts manufacturing move back to the USA

Introducing the G5 End-Seal

> Booth C20

Announcement

L.H. Thomson expands to create its own brand of patented bike components using aerospace quality, design, principles, and manufacturing. Several early biking patents are created and L.H. Thomson quickly expands their presence in the biking industry. Their bike products set the standard of excellence and are currently available in 30 countries, with 60% of business in exports. It is expected that Thomson will move its carbon fiber products manufacturing back to the United States of America by 2015.
www.bikethomson.com Eurocopter Canada selects LaserEdge Templating System from Virtek Vision International

Virtek Vision announce the sale of its Virtek® LaserEdge® projection system to Eurocopter Canada for use in composite layup and reverse engineering. Virtek’s LaserEdge system is a three-dimensional laser templating system that eliminates the need for physical templates. It precisely projects a laser template onto molds to guide operators through the ply layup process, minimizing errors and maximizing productivity.
www.eurocopter.ca www.gerbertechnology.com

throughput. • Improves side-to-side temperature uniformity. • All seal balancing is done externally and is accessible during fibre operation. • Independent seal chamber temperature control extends the length of the oven. • The heated G5 chamber minimizes the rate of tar formation at the slots.

www.calitzler.com

Partnership

3M and Chesapeake Energy Corp. partner to create New CNG Tank Technology

3M and Chesapeake Energy Corporation announced an agreement to collaborate in designing, manufacturing and marketing a broad portfolio of compressed natural gas (CNG) tanks for use in all sectors of the United States transportation market. Currently the fuel tank on a CNG vehicle is its most expensive single component. The

No76 October - November 2012 /

jec composites magazine 47

http://www.wd-deo.gc.ca http://www.harperintl.com http://www.bikethomson.com http://www.eurocopter.ca http://www.gerbertechnology.com http://www.calitzler.com

JEC COMPOSITES MAGAZINE - Issue #76 - October/November 2012

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of JEC COMPOSITES MAGAZINE - Issue #76 - October/November 2012