Composite Manufacturing
AMEL specialises in composite structures - Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) and Glass Fibre Reinforced Plastic (GFRP). These materials are developing at a rapid pace and are now widely used throughout most engineering environments due to the unique properties they can provide. Strong, yet light, making it an ideal solution for the Automotive, Aerospace, Marine and Energy industries.
We have expertise in Out of Autoclave (OoA) techniques, which reduce manufacturing costs whilst not sacrificing the strength of the final component. The methods we offer include Wet Lay up, Pre-Preg Laminating, Resin Infusion and Oven Curing. We are dedicated to offering the very best in composite manufacture and design by ensuring we use the very latest innovations and technologies. Our diverse product range continues to grow with solutions that have substantial impacts for our clients.
We have expertise in Out of Autoclave (OoA) techniques, which reduce manufacturing costs whilst not sacrificing the strength of the final component. The methods we offer include Wet Lay up, Pre-Preg Laminating, Resin Infusion and Oven Curing. We are dedicated to offering the very best in composite manufacture and design by ensuring we use the very latest innovations and technologies. Our diverse product range continues to grow with solutions that have substantial impacts for our clients.
Wet Layup
The wet layup process involves the positioning of reinforcement material into or against a mould in layers. These layers are then impregnated with a liquid resin system, either with a brush or roller, to ensure a good wet-out of the reinforcement material. The step is repeated until reinforcement thickness is achieved. Curing can be performed at room temperature or under heat, depending on the selection of the resin system.
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Resin Infusion
Vacuum resin infusion is a sophisticated technique for manufacturing high performance and void free composites. Dry reinforcement is laid into the mould, enclosed in a specially configured stack of bagging materials, and then subjected to vacuum pressure. Once the reinforcement has been fully compressed, liquid epoxy resin is added which infuses through the reinforcement under vacuum. When the resin has fully infused the resin is left to cure in the vacuum environment either at room temperature or in our oven.
Resign infusion produced parts are extremely strong, and have an impeccable appearance. They can be made with better strength to weight ratios than Pre-preg reinforced materials, and eliminate potential problems with air voids in traditional wet layup techniques.
Resign infusion produced parts are extremely strong, and have an impeccable appearance. They can be made with better strength to weight ratios than Pre-preg reinforced materials, and eliminate potential problems with air voids in traditional wet layup techniques.
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Pre-Preg Laminating
Fabric is placed into the mould and the layers are built up - a variety of materials can be used to make up a part including carbon, glass and amarid fibres. Other materials, such as foam can also be used to construct a thicker laminate whilst retaining the high strength and low weight benefits.
All the materials are placed in the mould which is packaged in a vacuum bag to aid the curing process. This is then placed inside our oven, where the part is cured.
All the materials are placed in the mould which is packaged in a vacuum bag to aid the curing process. This is then placed inside our oven, where the part is cured.
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Composite Tooling
The attention to detail set out at the tooling stage is vital to the quality of the product we manufacture for you.
After final design approval, the tooling is created as a machined tooling plug, from which a composite mould can be taken. Following manufacture of the mould, a full inspection is undertaken to verify dimensional accuracy. Designing the tool correctly is key to ensure the production process can run smoothly for a consistently high quality product.
AMEL can also work from customer supplied moulds.
After final design approval, the tooling is created as a machined tooling plug, from which a composite mould can be taken. Following manufacture of the mould, a full inspection is undertaken to verify dimensional accuracy. Designing the tool correctly is key to ensure the production process can run smoothly for a consistently high quality product.
AMEL can also work from customer supplied moulds.
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Carbon Fibre Coating
A composite part may require coating to match a body colour, or have a clear lacquer to protect the composite from UV degradation. AMEL offers these services with both paint and wrap options.
Once the part is fully constructed, the surface is prepared for coating - thoroughly cleaned to remove unseen particles and agents prior to coating. They are then moved to the spray booth and coated in full colour or clear lacquer in either a matt or gloss finish. This process will be repeated until it means the correct standard, and finally it will be polished.
This is a labour intensive element of the process undertaken by our skilled technicians to meet our high standards and that of our clients. Once this process is complete the product is passed to final inspection.
Wrapping has rapidly become an industry standard for composite coverage, this is a more cost effective, and less permanent way of coating your product.
Once the part is fully constructed, the surface is prepared for coating - thoroughly cleaned to remove unseen particles and agents prior to coating. They are then moved to the spray booth and coated in full colour or clear lacquer in either a matt or gloss finish. This process will be repeated until it means the correct standard, and finally it will be polished.
This is a labour intensive element of the process undertaken by our skilled technicians to meet our high standards and that of our clients. Once this process is complete the product is passed to final inspection.
Wrapping has rapidly become an industry standard for composite coverage, this is a more cost effective, and less permanent way of coating your product.
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