JEC COMPOSITES MAGAZINE - 2020 1st Quarter - Innovation report - 20

Multi-sector

GEBE2 developed an acoustic drilling solution for aircraft
nacelle composite panels. The holes are made by drilling
effectors equipped with multiple spindles such as cutters
or drills. This proven process can be applied to composites
(monolithic skin or sandwich
panels). The effectors can
access areas on complex
parts. The objective is to
reduce the noise level of
aircraft engines: the cold air
vein is covered with acoustic
panels that absorb sound
waves. These in-between
panels consist of a honeycomb core and pierced skin. Each hole
opening into a cell plays the role of a Helmholtz resonator. To
increase hole drilling productivity, it is possible to set up several
spindles on one effector. The composition of the effector is an
important step that requires a techno-economic analysis, thus
optimizing the part cost in accordance with the client's needs. The
distribution of holes requires dividing the drilling process step by
step in order to reduce the number of drill bits during production.
This acoustic drilling solution provides greater flexibility than special
machines, and is more cost-effective than solutions based on
conventional CNC machines. www.gebe2-et.com

NEW PNP SERIES PNEUMATIC PRESSES
FROM WABASH MPI CARVER

There is a growing need in composite development for a
machine that has highly-accurate force, temperature and
cooling control. The capabilities of Wabash MPI and Carver,
Inc.'s new line of pneumatic presses for a wide variety of
applications - the PNP Series - fill
that void. Standard models are
available in 0.5-, 2- and 5-ton
capacities and feature a table-top,
four-post construction. The maximum
operating temperature is 260°C with
no 3-phase power needed.
Other standard features include lowfriction seals and bearings, an infinitelife
framework,
interchangeable
cylinders along with a 90 PSIG design pressure and five-micron
particulate air filters. Optional features range from CE and clean
room designs to platen cooling, heat tubes and 426°C operation,
among others. These presses excel in many applications including
composites moulding, laminating, rubber moulding, plastics
testing, fluid/resin extraction, destructive testing, bonding, cell
disruption and sample preparation.
This press series features a quiet operation with no hydraulics
to deal with. Minimal maintenance requirements also make it an
excellent addition for companies that are focused on a green
initiative. www.wabashmpi.com

20

Multi-sector

ROBOTIZED ACOUSTIC
DRILLING FOR COMPOSITES

COLLABORATIVE SANDING ROBOT

In collaboration with the French manufacturer ISYBOT, GEBE2 is
developing a collaborative sanding application based on the SYB
3 cobot. This new robot provides a solution for use cases with low
production rates or a large variety of parts. It is also a response
to musculoskeletal disorders increasingly seen in production
workshops.
This unique robot design is easy to
program in four operating modes:
- Assistance: The operator controls the
toolpath, the robot applies the desired
force.
- Playback: The operator performs the first
toolpath, the robot repeats the trajectory by applying the desired force and
forward speed. The operator can take control of the robot at any time.
- Parallelisation: The operator teaches four points on a flat or curved
surface, the robot sands this area automatically.
- Remote operation (optional): The robot works in hostile environments
controlled, via a joystick, by an operator who remains in a safe environment.
For each operating mode, the operator can choose the forward speed
of the robot, the applied force, and the rotation speed of the sander
via a user-friendly interface. The sanding robot can be mounted on
a mobile platform, so that it can move around a large workpiece
or be used in several workshops. GEBE2's standard sanding
effector is installed on the cobot and provides the same performance as
fully-automated cells. www.gebe2-et.com

Multi-sector

Aerospace

INNOVATION REPORT

ULTRASONIC CUTTING
AND SURFACE MACHINING EFFECTOR

The Soniblade L ultrasonic cutting and surface machining
effector is dedicated to Nomex and aluminium honeycomb.
The cutting knife can cut Nomex and aluminium honeycomb
up to 80 mm thick and presents many advantages. It
offers a very clean cut without
fraying, no materiel residue and
a considerably increased blade
lifetime. The rotary disc can surface
Nomex and aluminium honeycomb
and provides a clean cut without
fraying, with no material residue,
offering the possibility of working in
open environments without a dust
collection system. The cutting and
surfacing tools are mounted at the
end of the effector. This effector is
suitable for cutting tables, 5-8 axis machines and robotized cells.
It has manual or automated connections and interchangeable tool
holding systems for blades (30, 40, 50 and 80mm) and discs (Ø
15, 18.3, 50 and 63 mm). The cutting effector can cut monolithic
or multi-ply composite materials up to 30mm in thickness and raw
materials such as carbon, Kevlar, aramid, glass and honeycomb
(aluminium/Nomex). This equipment is mainly used for raw
material preparation in the aeronautics sector and by raw material
producers.
www.sonimat-et.com

jec composites magazine / January-February-March 2020
http://www.gebe2-et.com http://www.gebe2-et.com http://www.wabashmpi.com http://www.sonimat-et.com
JEC COMPOSITES MAGAZINE - 2020 1st Quarter - Innovation report

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