MAG IAS claims composites manufactory technology breakthrough

America-headquartered CNC machine tool maker MAG IAS is claiming a world first in composite parts manufacturing technology with the launch of its new Gemini Composite Processing System.

The company claims that this is the first system capable of switching, in a matter of minutes, from automated fibre placement to automated tape laying. "The new Gemini system saves several million dollars in equipment, infrastructure and labour cost traditionally needed for two separate systems, making it ideal for aerospace tier suppliers who require cost economy and flexible capabilities," explains Robert Harper, director of sales for MAG's composite products.

The first Gemini system has already been purchased by Alliant Techsystems and will be installed at the firm's Mississippi facility.

The order includes MAG's modular ACES software (Advanced Composites Environment Suite), claimed by the company to be the industry's fastest and most powerful programming and simulation system for both tape laying and fibre placement.

The new Gemini system utilises MAG's "industry-leading" Viper automated fibre placement (AFP) head, and Charger or the Forest Liné Atlas automated tape laying (ATL) heads.

"For a fraction of the cost of a full tape laying system, aerospace composite part suppliers can now add tape laying capability on a fibre placement machine or vice versa, saving millions on machinery, plant infrastructure, labour and training otherwise needed for two machines," says Randy Kappesser, vice president MAG Composites. "The system makes it possible for fabricators to consider combining composite tape and fibre in the same part, and it certainly can improve the cost structure for the industry by maximising equipment utilisation and facilitating use of lower cost tape to a greater extent.

"Even the modular vertical gantry design is engineered with flexibility in mind. It can be configured for multiple work zones or extremely long parts, while providing excellent workzone access for head changing and tool loading."

Author
Andrew Allcock

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