Automated Composites Manufacturing Technology Centre

Affordability
The primary drive for low cost lightweight composite structures has resulted in a number of new technologies with potential for automation. For thermoset materials, low cost fabrication can be achieved with automated preform fabrication, such as braiding and automated tow placement, followed by one of various resin injection techniques. Low cost fabrication of thermoplastic components can be achieved by press forming and by fibre placement with in-situ consolidation. Other processes may require the use of an autoclave. ACM-TC and its partners provide the expertise and facilities for all of these techniques.

Facilities of ACM-TC
The core of ACM-TC is the R&D facility for composites manufacturing at NLR. With the financial support of the provincial government, an automated fibre placement machine was procured from Automated Dynamics (ADC), which arrived at NLR in 2005. The strong endorsement of a number of industrial members was crucial for this procurement. Other equipment consists of an automated RTM-machine with full process monitoring and control features, an autoclave, a C-scan, and clean rooms and a well-equipped testhouse to perform material qualification and structural certification programmes. Beside the facilities at NLR ACM-TC partners each bring in their specific facilities such as braiding machines at Eurocarbon and fundamental reasearch facilities at the universities of Delft and Twente.

Contracts and projects
ACM-TC carries out R&D projects together with industries with a specific need. A consortium is formed, and a joint research proposal is formulated and propose for funding. The industry has full access to the facilities where the developments are taking place. With in-house funding or with funding acquired singularly, partners of ACM-TC also carry out independent research projects, aimed at extending the capabilities of ACM-TC, or to explore novel technologies. Participation in EU-projects is also pursued. Workshops are organised twice a year for all participants, to present non-confidential project results, to stimulate discussions, to define new research topics and to develop new opportunities.