Reinforced plastics equipment.

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ADVANCED MATERIALS INC. (AMI)

Prestovac vacuum-only RTM process uses vacuum rather than positive-pressure pumping to distribute resin throughout the mold. Process places precut glass mat in one mold half, pours a premeasured amount of resin onto the mat, puts the other mold half in place, and pulls a vacuum. Vacuum holds the mold shut without need for clamps, evacuates air, and pulls the resin throughout the mold without any glass "washing." Low-cost vacuum pump runs off shop compressed air and has no moving parts. Using only vacuum means much lighter, less costly molds can be used. Even large molds can be lifted manually.

ADVANCED PROCESS TECHNOLOGY

Wide range of manual and fully automatic meter/mix/dispense equipment for plural-component RTM and RIM nylons, urethanes, epoxies and polyesters. "Flying Wedge" features variable ratio, temperature control to 300 F, vacuum degassing, positive-displacement metering, and output rates from 5 g/min to 70 lb/min. Systems process heavily filled (up to 75%), abrasive materials and unfilled formulations for open casting, pressure injection into closed molds, high-vacuum potting, and filament winding.

ALTEK PREFORMER CORP.

Custom-designed, manual and robotic directed-fiber preform machines. Computer control can provide variable speed and direction of screen rotation, variable pressure drop, variable glass and binder delivery rates, and adjustable cure times and temperatures.

AUTOMATION DYNAMICS

Filament winding machines up to 12-ft diam. x 40 ft long, either mechanically synchronized or with full computer control. Mechanical machines are generally limited to three axes for high-speed winding in medium-to-long production runs. Computer-controlled machines have up to six axes, extreme flexibility, and ability for rapid product changeover. Low-cost, laboratory-scale, full-featured, three-axis, computer-controlled winder also available.

Also builds a variety of prepreg-tape production lines. Modular design allows choice of exact features needed. On-line or off-line hot-melt coaters can be incorporated in the system.

Fiber delivery creels supplied for filament winding or prepreg-tape production lines.

BARON AUTOCLAVE CORP.

Full size range of prewired and pretested autoclaves for bonding and curing composites. Breech-lock, quick-opening door requires 60 sec to open or close. Features include heavy-duty door hinge, internally mounted blower motor, and custom control panels. Computerized process-control system optional.

BINKS MANUFACTURING CO.

Internal- or external-mix, high-transfer-efficiency guns for spraying resins, gel coat or chop; RTM systems; roller impregnators; and hand-held resin rollers.

Slave catalyst pumping systems or pressure-tank catalyst feed systems can be combined with a selection of air- and hydraulic-powered pumps.

Two mat impregnators include an economical model with a hand crank to dispense mat from a roll between two impregnating rollers and onto a take-up roll. Resin is hand poured from a bucket into the adjustable gap between the impregnating rolls. More elaborate model can have an air motor and foot pedal in place of hand crank. This allows automatic pumping of continuously catalyzed resin through a perforated metal pipe mounted over the gap. Automatic flushing can be provided.

BINKS MANUFACTURING CO. POLY-CRAFT SYSTEMS DIV.

Complete line of spray-up systems for reinforced polyester and gelcoat, as well as custom-made equipment.

Airless, air-assisted airless, or high-volume/low-pressure external-mix spraying systems use lightweight guns designed for simplicity and easy maintenance. All spray guns have two catalyst orifices, allowing use of un-diluted catalyst. Systems are equipped with C-400-N Catalizer, which is infinitely variable and totally linear in delivery, with no lead or lag.

Basic Gelcoater has a pump with only three reciprocating parts that can support up to 0.031-in. fluid-tip orifice with no "winking" or "pulsing."

Modular gel-coat system sprays up to 12 colors and is mounted on 7-ft-long wheeled chassis, which is easily moved and eliminates costly in-house plumbing. Components include G-755 air-assisted/airless gun and C-400N catalyzer. External-mix gun requires no flushing after use. Supplied for each color is a model P-15 Pancake Series 15:1 pump with individual high-pressure filter, air controls, material pick-up assemblies, and quick-disconnect fluid hoses. A central silencer eliminates pump exhaust noise. Each station built as a dosed loop with recirculating mode to prevent settling. System uses shop air and can be modified to allow spraying different colors at the same time.

THE BONNOT CO.

Offers preform extrusion machines for reinforced molding compounds.

I.G. BRENNER CO.

Fiberglass roving cutters in a variety of sizes and lengths to cut fibers 1/8 to 2 in. long. Most popular unit is Model 800A, with 4 1/2-in. and 7-in.-long cutter rolls.

Preform machines, either single-station or rotary, with turntables of 24-100 in. diam. Directed-fiber or automatic plenum-chamber versions.

SMC machines 24 to 60 in. wide. Wetout is accomplished by reverse wrapping over a series of drums with ribbed kneading rolls and hot-water recirculating system. Two-spindle wind-ups and automatic resin feed to doctor knives are standard. Calender rolls are used for heavier materials. In-line resin mixers have two proportioning pumps and a rotary mixing head. Made for rapid disassembly and cleaning.

Corrugated-sheet equipment in sizes and capacities to customer requirements.

Filament winders in a wide range of lengths and diameters. Floor-mounted or overhead-traverse rails; windings from circumferential to polar, with quick interchange from one to another. Simple chain-drive traverse recommended.

Pultrusion machines with electrical platens and caterpillar pulling in various sizes and capacities.

CALIFORNIA GRAPHITE MACHINES

Unidirectional prepreg machines for aerospace composites in 12-, 24-, 48-, and 60-in. wide webs, and one-meter wide models for sporting goods and other commercial uses. Resin filming machines of all sizes for precision film weights. Total prepreg plant equipment includes resin mixing vessels, data recorders, heating and chilling equipment, resin milling, impact mills, prepreg plant layout assistance, and field service.

CANNON USA INC.

Compotec RTM and SRIM turnkey system, designed to customer's specifications, includes:

* High-production preformer with automatic operation requires no manpower except to unload. Makes parts from 40 x 32 in. to 112 x 80 in. Cycle times of 45-90 sec, including very fast transfer from heating to clamping station.

* High-speed press with shuttle bed handles large molds; has single- or double-shuttle design, total access to all platens, fast cycle time, control of position, variable tonnage to help control injection pressures, and large clamping forces.

* Variable-output closed-loop metering unit rapidly fills large parts to permit fast cure times. Features closed-loop control; variable output for rapid filling of parts while controlling injection pressures; ability to inject simultaneously with two mixheads from one metering unit; and SPC data collection and analysis of all parameters.

CINCINNATI MILACRON AEROSPACE PRODUCTS DIV.

Composite tape layers for thermosets and thermoplastics are automated systems for measuring, cutting and laying down courses of prepreg tape on flat or contoured surfaces. Multi-axis tape laydown head is mounted on a beam that travels on overhead rails. "Natural path" software allows off-line programming and analysis of layup on a contoured surface.

Acramatic 975C control system offers 10 axes of coordinated control with individual acceleration and deceleration rate, and "Look Ahead" software, which prevents laying down defective tape.

Viper Fiber Placement System (FPS), is a seven-axis machine that can place fiber tows along paths not achievable by manual lay-up or automated tape-laying systems. Fiber-placement head on a robotic arm heats the tows until they are tacky, and a compaction roller on a heavy-duty ram-type arm allows work on concave surfaces with minimal secondary debulking. Lays up to 24 individual, 1/8-in.-wide tows, and can cut and restart tows individually. Can lay up contoured ply shapes, follow serpentine ply paths, construct tapered shapes without material buildup, and create localized build-ups if necessary.

Head of thermoplastic tape layer has three heating and two cooling compaction shoes. Heating shoes are cartridge-heated (1000 F capability). Capable of end cuts from +45 [degrees] to -45 [degrees]; lays only flat panels, which can then be formed.

COMPOSITE PROCESS EQUIPMENT

Pultrusion machines and FRP panel production machines with pulling capacities from 4 to 50 tons. Hydraulic-powered units are said to be user-friendly and ruggedly built for low maintenance. Automatic flying cutoff saw and Computrac computer control with color CRT display. Records temperature, clamp pressure, pulling speed, run time, purge cycle, length of cut, length of pull, winding speed (optional), and resin formulas. Allen-Bradley control system regulates pulling speed to within 0.1 in./min. and temperature to 0.1 [degrees] F.

CONAIR GATTO THE CONAIR GROUP, INC.

Heavy-duty Cat-A-Puller takeoff, cutoff saw and pneumatic dump table for pultrusion. Handles part envelope to 0.5-ft high x 1-ft wide. Continuous pulling forces up to 10,000 lb. Traveling saw available with abrasive or diamond blade for wet or dry cutting. Controls include d-c drives with optional all-digital drive. Load-cell force gauge available to display pulling force.

DESIGN EVOLUTION 4, INC.

RTM equipment includes pneumatic presses, molds, prototypes, system layout, training and consulting.

J. DIEFFENBACHER GMBH & CO.

See Girard Associates, Inc.

DURA WOUND, INC.

Model 10-C filament winder makes 2-to 48-in. pipe from 1/16-in. to 1-in. thick. Winding is controlled automatically; machines can be run by one operator.

Model 20 tank winder for diam. up to 16 ft can wind helical patterns with up to 40 glass strands and has an automatically fed resin dip bath. Digital control optional.

Cobra Model 11-A winder handles carbon, aramid, etc., for rocket motors and igniters in aerospace industry.

EDGAR INDUSTRIES

Directed fiber preforming equipment in a wide range of sizes and production capabilities.

ELECTROSTATIC TECHNOLOGY, INC.

Equipment to make prepregs utilizing dry-powder application. Process eliminates solvents; process speeds are reportedly faster and use less energy.

[EMC.sup.2] INC.

SMC impregnating machines, press loaders and unloaders, in-mold coating systems, and complete lines with cooling, automatic deflashing, drilling, milling and adhesive bonding. Also RTM metering equipment and complete automated turnkey systems. Trim presses up to 200 tons.

FINN AND FRAM, INC.

SMC machines feature wide cutters and a dual-wire-mesh-belt wetout system for high-glass-content or heavy products. Machine is modular with several possible configurations. Dual fixed-spindle winders, bulk packagers (festooners), and combination winder/packagers available in several sizes. Open and dosed dynamic in-line mixers and a doctor-blade supply system.

Glass-roving cutters, 4 in. long to extra-wide, cut lengths 1/16 in. and up. Expendable razor blades and replaceable cot sleeves. Options include laminating equipment for circuit-board manufacture, and SMC charge cutters (slitter/blankers) that slit, trim and cut to length with programmable controls.

Computer-controlled, continuous FRP panel lines produce flat, corrugated or embossed panels. Sand or pebble surface can be added.

Single-station, directed-fiber, and semi-automatic preform machines for low- and medium-volume applications such as RTM.

GIRARD ASSOCIATES, INC.

Represents Dieffenbacher GmbH of Germany, which builds hydraulic high-speed presses and press-system components. Presses range from 300 to 5000 tons with bed sizes from 40 x 40 in. to 200 x 160 in. High-precision presses available with parallelism control.

Press system components include automatic GMT conveyor ovens; CNC loaders for GMT or SMC moldings (max. 6 axes); proprietary gripper technology for GMT and SMC (needle, suction or mechanical grippers); cooling stations for GMT and SMC molded components; fast-mold-change systems; cell controls featuring strategic emergency programs; master control systems interlinking several production cells via an intelligent network; product and process data-acquisition systems; SPC and process data-analysis systems.

GLAS-CRAFT INC.

FRP spray-up equipment includes internal- and external-mix spray systems for gelcoat, spray-up and wet-out. Complete line of airless, air-atomized and air-assist/airless systems. LPA-II-AAC air-assist/airless spray gun with exclusive Air Assist Containment and SP-85 catalyst slave pump reportedly provides excellent transfer efficiency and extremely low emission levels.

"Soft Spray Applicator" (SSA) is a "sprinkler-type" coarse atomization nozzle.

RTM dispensing equipment includes LPI (Low-Pressure Injection) system with 4:1 pump, standard slave-pump catalyst proportioner, and capacity of 2.5 gal/min. Gun has a simple one-button on/off control, cleanout ports on both catalyst and resin sides, pump-stroke counter and reset switch. Low-pressure recirculation of catalyst and resin keeps fillers in suspension. Solvent and air flushing, and a transparent window for observing material in the static-mixing nozzle.

GRACO INC.

Plural-component equipment systems for metering, mixing, spraying or casting urethane, epoxy, polysulfide or filled polyester casting compounds. Pumping units with mix ratios from 1:1 to 18:1 draw materials from catalyst and resin storage tanks, and deliver components to a static-mixing head where a transfer hose can be used to deliver mix to spray guns or dispensing valves.

GS MANUFACTURING CO.

Airless chopper, wet-out and gel-coat spray systems feature "no-flush" external mixing. They are said to offer unique design, simple operation, built-in safety factors, and faster, more efficient production. Gun is lightweight (3 lb, 7 oz) with a single-finger, air-assist trigger control and can be converted from a chopper gun to gel-coat system with re-moral of one bolt and change of tip. Chopper-gun mount has a swivel for instant alignment of glass and material spray pattern.

Does not need solvent flushing. Because of low pressures, gun can be operated within 6-8 in. of the mold and delivers 3 to 23 lb/min. Catalyst is safely used directly from shipping container, and is pumped through a reportedly easy-to-maintain pumping system. Systems can be stationary or portable.

"True" airless or airless/air-assist MEKP systems. Compact Little Willie gel-coat unit, with a lightweight gun, mounts on a 5-gal pail. RC42 Rascal chopper system features a lightweight gun, high-speed/high-torque chopper motor, and a single-coil spring boom that has a 5-ft vertical movement with adjustable tension.

Also high-volume wet-out systems, a Multi Color Block for up to eight colors of gel coat, and a Big Bertha high-volume chopper gun that can dispense up to 35 lb/min of laminate and handle six strands of glass.

Gemini variable-ratio methane/polyester hybrid spray system features internal-mix Rascal hybrid spray gun with chopper, transfer pumps, variable-ratio proportioning system, in-line heaters, heated hoses, and portable cart with 12-ft boom.

RTM system is based on the Little Willie gun with a static-mixing extension, 5:1 air-motor pump, and catalyst slave system. Mounts on a 5-gal pail or on a wall for use with drums or Liqui-Bins and can be used with saturator or resin-roller attachments.

GUSMER DIV. OF PMC INC.

Variable-ratio DeltaRim impingement-mixing RIM machinery for RTM and SRIM dispensing. From 40 to 240 lb/min capacity. Double-acting Continuous Delivery Cylinder (CDC) pump system provides uniform flow and unlimited shot sizes.

HI-TECH ENGINEERING, INC.

High- and low-pressure RTM metering and mixing equipment and RIM process systems. Large SRIM and RTM clamps and preforming equipment.

High-pressure RTM series features hydraulic cylinders with component metering capacities from 500 to 20,000 cc each, typically paired in a 4:1 or greater size ratio. Process controls for all machine functions, with optional full computer interface and SPC package. High-pressure impingement mixing head has external recirculation and can be modified for high-temperature applications to 400 F.

Silenzer series RTM meter/mix/dispense equipment has precise variable-ratio control. All fittings attach through the lid of the tank system, so a standard 5-gal pail can be set inside the tank for ease of material changeover. Metering accuracy assured by precision gear pumps slaved together for control of ratio and in-mold delivery pressure. Various size gear pumps allow ratio selection from 1:1 to 100:1. Pumps available in mild steel and stainless steel.

INGERSOLL MILLING MACHINE CO.

Special machinery for automated fabrication of composites. In conjunction with Hercules Corp., Ingersoll provides a full range of processes, from hand lay-up auxiliaries to custom-built pultrusion equipment, automatic tape layers, and advanced fiber-placement systems.

ITALIAN TRADE COMMISSION

Information on equipment for reinforced plastics spraying, spiral winding, pultrusion, and hand lay-up available from Italian companies.

JAECO PUMP CO.

Plunger and diaphragm-type metering pumps for RTM or other systems. Pumps available in a variety of materials with electronic and pneumatic controllers.

C.A. LAWTON CO.

CompForm automated preforming process for RTM and SRIM applies binder resin to precut mats, reacts binder without heating the reinforcement or mold, molds the preform, and attaches structural components such as ribs or cores. It uses a "directed-energy" technique of curing the preform binder with either microwave or uv energy. Curing energy is applied right in the forming tool, which has a plastic skin that is transparent to both forms of energy.

LINCOLN INDUSTRIAL A PENTAIR CO.

Air-operated pumps for transfer and spray-up of FRP fluid materials from 55-gal drums, 5-gal pails, or bulk tanks. Pumps operate inside or outside to move product to mixer or spray head. Pump accessories include primers, pressure primers, hose, control valves, measuring valves, mixing and metering equipment.

LINDEN INDUSTRIES, INC.

Plural-component metering/dispensing systems, mold-carriers, and clamps for SRIM and RTM.

LIQUID CONTROL CORP.

Polyester resin/catalyst metering system for continuous or intermittent feed of catalyzed mix in RTM or filament winding. Variable-ratio control of 0.6-4%, outputs to 100 lb/min, filler loading to 70%, and use of most common catalysts. Multiflow series machines proportion, mix, and inject epoxies and urethanes into closed molds and can be used to meter, mix and dispense SMC paste.

Computer-controlled model with dual piston-type lance cylinders driven by electric servomotors provides highly uniform, pulsation-free mold filling. Remote monitoring and quality documentation available.

LITTLEFORD DAY, INC.

SMC and BMC mixing components and complete compound production systems supplied through association with RP/C Corp.

C.A. LITZLER CO., INC.

Prepreg fabric saturation systems for fiberglass, graphite and aramid fabrics. Complete systems include letoffs, splice presses, precision metering rolls, curing ovens, compaction rolls and windups. Pollution-control incinerators and the requisite d-c drives and instrumentation included.

MAGNUM INDUSTRIES

Spray-up equipment includes an airless/air-assist chopper gun with patented airless/air-assist technique. Air trigger reduces operator fatigue and eliminates lead/lag between catalyst and resin.

ATC-3500 gel/wet-out gun also incorporates patented airless/air-assist technique and reportedly gives superior pattern control on gel Coat without tails. Air trigger allows feathering into tight recesses without flooding and eliminates possibility of spraying catalyst without gel coat. Both guns are light and balanced for easy maneuvering.

Putty dispensing machine handles any type of marine putty at viscosities to 3,000,000 cps. Slave arm meters catalyst in 0.1% increments. Putty and catalyst are mixed and dispensed through a mixing block and chamber.

Self-balancing, internal-mix chopper system will automatically balance catalyst pressure when spray pressures or outputs are changed.

Self-balancing, internal-mix gel-coat system operates in much the same way as the chopper, resulting in reportedly superior mixing.

Three-component, internal-mix foaming polyester system meters both catalyst and blowing agent, which are mixed with resin at the gun.

Internal-mix resin roller impregnator mixes resin and catalyst at the roller and introduces catalyzed resin inside the perforated roller, where it is evenly distributed.

MASS MACHINERY, INC.

Autoclaves for curing composites can be supplied with data loggers and instrumentation for manual, semi-automatic, or fully automatic operation using microprocessor or host computer.

PATENTECH CORP.

Specially designed spray-up equipment system, including a mixer for resin and filler, is expressly designed for handling high filler loads to enable maximum resin extension. Rotational casting equipment also available.

Low-cost McD mixer/catalyzer dispenser system for highly filled thermoset resins pumps 5 gal/min at 19,500 cps.

POLY-CRAFT SYSTEMS

See Binks Mfg. Co.

P.S.H. INDUSTRIES, INC.

R-2 spray gun for polyester and epoxy gel coats and laminating resins is said to eliminate air bubbles and holes in mold making. Gun dispenses from paper or plastic cups, which can be discarded to avoid time,consuming cleanup.

PULTREX LTD.

Pultrusion machines range from 1-ton pulling load and 7 x 2 in. product envelope to 12-ton, 40 x 14 in. All models have electronic PLC control and include automatic flying cut-off saws. Automatic data logging and computer process control optional.

Filament winding machines for general and special purposes available with mechanical drive or up to six axes of CNC control. (Non-axis symmetrical program generation software also available.) Machines are modularly designed in sizes to 14 ft diam. x 40 ft long. Tension and resin systems, and full data logging and process monitoring available.

PULTRUSION TECHNOLOGY DIV. MMFG 

Pulstar automated, modular pultrusion systems with product envelopes of 8 x 4 in. to 30 x 8 in. are hydraulically powered and microprocessor controlled. Sequencing with solid-state programmable controllers. Input or output modules can be added and simple software changes made with a hand-held programmer.

Resin impregnation station has a powered, vertically adjustable table for fast set-up. Die station is electrically heated, has a powered top platen to provide easy access for in-process maintenance or start-up, and powered bottom platens to provide centerline control over product to reduce warpage. A 34-in.long platen with two heating zones handles dies up to 36 in. A 56-in.-long platen system with three healing zones optional. All platens have a pre-gel cooling zone at the entrance to permit temporary shutdown without gelling the profile. Reciprocating clamp-puller system has adjustable pressure. Automatic flying cut-off saw mounted below table is orbitally operated and has a manually adjustable envelope.

Gelstar Thermal Analyzer can monitor cure conditions on-line inside the die. Off-line, it can perform automatic SPI gel and cure tests and print out results.

Also auxiliary equipment and tooling for a complete pultrusion operation, plus technical assistance, product design, composite design, prototyping, and manufacturing technology.

RADIO FREQUENCY CO. LAROSE RF SYSTEMS DIV.

Preheaters and bonders for thermosets. Standard models include:

* Model 671 preheaters increase speeds on pultrusion lines.

* Model L-200 preheaters reduce press cycle times and improve surface characteristics in SMC molding. Charges to 80 lb can be preheated in 45 sec.

* Model L-230 preform preheaters for phenolic and epoxy preforms in transfer and compression molding.

* Model 5100 thermoset adhesive bonders for SMC automotive body panels join parts in seconds.

RETEK CORP.

Standard and custom-designed filament winders include overhead- and rear-carriage types, programmed via IBM-compatible PCs. Winders use a PAC-5 programmable controller from Automation Systems Inc., along with Retek filament-winding control software. Standard mandrel diameters are 16 and 24 in. for overhead-carriage machines and 16 to 48 in. for rear-carriage machines. Custom-built creels also supplied.

RP/C CORP.

Represents a group of companies that provide equipment for all phases of SMC, GMT or RTM manufacturing from individual components to integrated manufacturing cells. Group can provide design specifications for equipment needed and total turnkey installation and performance responsibility. Components and suppliers include:

* Mixing equipment, metering systems, and self-contained meter/mix cells for SMC sheet production from Littleford Day.

* Energy-efficient, short-stroke presses for SMC/GMT in sizes from 500 to 5000 tons from John T. Hepburn Ltd. Special presses for RTM have booking platens and large bed size, combined with lower tonnage.

* Hydraulic press rebuilding, and hydraulic and control upgrading from Mohawk Industries.

* In-mold coating systems from [EMC.sup.2].

* Composite molds from Hi-Tech Mold & Engineering.

* Quick-mold-change systems for compression presses from Orchid Automation.

* Infrared charge-heating ovens for GMT from Blasdel Enterprises.

* Automatic press loaders and unloaders, large gantry robots for parts transfer, and self-contained robotic cells from ISI Robotics. End-of-arm tooling and an "intelligent vacuum-management system" from ISI Automation Products Group.

* Compliant automation devices for abrasive deflashing from Robotics and Automation Corp.

* CNC routers from Accu-Router in sizes from a 37 x 61 in. three-axis model to a 6 x 12 ft five-axis version. Repeat-ability is within 0.002 in.

* Radio-frequency bonding equipment and tooling from Nemeth Engineering.

* Robotic adhesive dispensing systems from [EMC.sup.2].

* Automated, high-speed RTM systems from [EMC.sup.2].

* Parts washing and painting systems from Blasdel Enterprises.

* High-speed, noncontact laser dimension-checking systems from Perceptron.

* Size-reduction equipment for reclaiming thermoset parts from Hi-Torque Shredder Co.

RTM SYSTEMS, INC.

RTM equipment includes injectors, clamps, sensors, rubber seals, sprues, plugs, vacuum generators, heater cloth for internal tool-heating, and high-temperature core materials.

Hypaject and Megaject II resin injection systems in capacities from 0.8 to 16 gal dispense unsaturated polyester, vinyl ester, epoxy, phenolic, methyl methacrylate, etc.

Designs complete automated RTM operations, using specially designed thermal-break valves, arrival/gel/cure sensors, and fully automatic mold opening and closing systems.

Also conducts training courses in composite RTM tooling technology.

SANDVIK PROCESS SYSTEMS, INC.

Double-belt presses convey resins and reinforcements through a controlled time/temperature/pressure cycle to produce continuous sheet products (fiberglass-reinforced thermoplastic and thermoset laminates, composites, and foams). Rigid and flexible products can be produced up to 56 in. wide. Cure times to 10 min., cure temperatures to 500 F, and line speeds to 90 ft/min. Auxiliary equipment includes loaders, cutting devices, take-up and let-off rolls.

SEALANT EQUIPMENT & ENGINEERING, INC.

Low- to high-pressure meter/mix/dispense equipment for epoxies, urethanes, silicones or polyesters range from an economical, air-powered bench-top unit, to Program-a-Bead III units that interface with robots. RTM is a major application for these systems.

SIEMPELKAMP CORP.

Hydraulic presses (single- and multiple-opening) and complete plants (automatic layup, conveying, pressing, trimming, inspection and packaging lines) for high-pressure laminates (decorative, industrial-grade, and copper-clad laminates for printed circuits).

SS SPECIALTIES, INC.

JX-AA-2QT polyester gel coat system is a lightweight, airless/air-assisted gun with 8:1 ratio pump suitable for tooling gel coat and for multiple color changes. Comes in 2-qt or 2-gal sizes.

Also fiberglass spray-up systems and RTM and polyester putty machines.

TENNEY ENGINEERING, INC.

Autoclaves, from compact lab models to large production units, with instrumentation to control temperature to 850 F, pressure to 800 psig, vacuum, etc. Hydraulically operated door with locking ring and remotely located instrument panel are standard. Blower motor mounted in a water-cooled, encapsulated "bubble" enclosure on the exterior wall eliminates the need for shaft seals.

THERMAL EQUIPMENT CORP.

Turnkey autoclave systems monitor part vacuum throughout the cure cycle. Computer control system has a cycle editor with more than 24 controllable parameters, including part-heat rate, guaranteed soak, exotherm detection, pressure rate, vacuum levels, and alarms.

UNITED MCGILL CORP.

Autoclave systems operate at up to 1200 F and 2000 psi with electric heaters and an inert-gas pressurizing medium. Vessels can have patented door assemblies, hydraulically operated cylinders, fans, electric heaters, cooling-coil heat exchangers, internal insulation sheet, and internal track. Other components include pre-assembled and piped vacuum supply platforms for quick field installation, control panels for temperature and pressure cure cycles, process-variable recorders with graphic display, and vacuum-monitoring and recording panels to ensure part quality.

Mini-Bonder is a laboratory-sized autoclave for R&D testing and limited production.

URETHANE SERVICE, INC.

Plural-component machines for pouring, casting, bead laying, frothing, potting, RIM and RTM.

VEKTRONICS, INC.

Composite Processing Cell precuts prepreg tape for specific part geometries and stores it in a cartridge in an Off-Line Tape Processor. Cartridges supply a low-profile, gantry-style tape layer or a "split-axis" rotary table. Software package defines course geometry from part-definition input by operator or downloaded from a database. Off-Line Tape Processor may also supply tape to an existing tape machine. Also offers ultrasonic bed cutter, integrated with CPC-610 tape layer or as standalone system.

VENUS-GUSMER DIV. OF PMC, INC.

Engineered systems for polyester and fiberglass open-mold and closed-mold processes range from individual machines to complete turnkey plants. Patented H.I.S. (hydraulic injection system) uses internal, airless, low-pressure mixing and is incorporated into an extensive line of reinforced thermoset plastic systems:

* Hand-held spray-up units such as chopper guns, saturators and gelcoaters with a variety of accessories and support equipment. Pro Line includes the Pro Gun Chopper and Pro Series Gelcoater.

* Resin injection and RTM units for low-pressure filling of closed molds include economical H.I.S.-based Hydrajectors; EPO1, EPO2 and EPO3 meter/mix series; and hydraulic-pump powered RAM for advanced composites. PC-based process monitors available for the Hydrajector and EPO series, and specially designed computer monitor for the RAM.

* Casting units for open molds or cavity filling.

* Automated reciprocators for high-volume production of FRP sheet products and contoured shapes.

* Impregnators for mechanized wet-out of woven roving and lay-up into large molds. Four-roll and seven-roll models come in numerous configurations, including an 18-in. portable bridge crane and gantry for taping boat stringers and bulkheads.

* Filament winders for automated production of large-diameter tanks and pipe with optional computer monitoring and controls.

* Panel machines for automated, high-volume production of flat, embossed and corrugated panels.

* Abraders that prepare the surface of panels to hold a secure bond.

* Laminating rollers with "thin-fin" design for rolling out saturated woven roving.

* Cultured-marble machines include Precision Cast for mechanized production of polyester marble matrix.

* Resin concrete machines for mixing coarse aggregate with polyester.

* Solvent recovery system for distilling solvents.

* Polyester foam units for low-fume spraying of polyester foam.

* Filled resin systems for mixing and dispensing with fillers.

* Composite specimen preparation system (Router and Bridge Saw) for producing samples of various shapes and sizes for numerous standard testing procedures.

VERMONT INSTRUMENT CO.

Bench-type experimental filament winders have mandrels up to 12 in. diam. and 48 in. long. Change gears for helical winding, variable-speed drive for circumferential winding, capability for NOL ring winding, preset counter, and electronic speed control. Also NOL ring winder with controllable overlap and speed, and fixtures for NOL ring testing, available with console, including pump and recording manometer.

Bench-type pultruders for test purposes can make 1/8-in. to 1/4-in. diam. rod. Torsion test equipment measures properties of rod for quality-control monitoring of resin, cure temperature, and reinforcement surface treatment. Heated-die, infrared, ultraviolet and microwave curing systems provided as accessories to test cure methods.

Venus-Gusmer

Leaders in Thermoset Process Technology

H.I.S. [TM] Hydraulic Injection System [TM] Processing with the Pro Gun [TM]

A wide range of low-pressure metering pumps and airless, internal mixing guns comprise the patented Venus-Gusmer H.I.S. system. This meter-mix system is incorporated into virtually all Venus-Gusmer processing equipment for thermoset plastics. The Pro Gun, standard on most H.I.S. units, enhances the environmental and quality benefits of airless, internal mixing.

The H.I.S. system delivers superior control of catalyst percentages and product quality while reducing VOC emissions and overspray. Units are available for sprayup applications (chop-and-spray, gelcoating, saturating and flowcoating); resin injection/RTM; cast-and-pour; and special systems such as those described below. These systems will process various materials including filled resins, BPO catalyst, phenolics and hybrid polyesters and polyurethanes.

Featuring: The newest H.I.S. unit is Venus-Gusmer's MBF-01 [TM] Mechanically Blended Foam [TM] machine and special MBA-100 [TM] Mechanical Blending Additive [TM]. Together, this unique system performs airless processing of polyester foam without the use of chemical foaming additives.

Impregnators

Venus-Gusmer Impregnators have been used in the field for decades for mechanized wetout and layup of woven roving.

Available in various sizes, from the 18-inch portable model to large Bridge Crane systems, Venus-Gusmer Impregnators are ideal for production of small boats, large yachts and even 200-foot mine sweepers. They regularly exceed military standards for accurate manufacturing specifications.

Filament Winders and Mandrels

Venus-Gusmer Filament Winders and mandrels are available for helical and chop-hoop applications. The computer-controlled PCX-Winder promises superior accuracy and easy recalibration for winding of a wide variety of products. All Venus-Gusmer winders are ideal for applying film, chopped corrosion liners and surface veils. These systems will process vinyl esters, epoxies and resins.

Panel Machines

Venus-Gusmer designs, builds, installs and trains operators in the use of turnkey panel production systems. These factory systems produce flat, embossed and corrugated panel -- with and without fiberglass reinforcement -- for use in transportation and construction. Like all Venus-Gusmer equipment these highly automated systems cut down on both fume emissions and material waste.

Call or write our sales department, or your nearest authorized distributor, for complete information about all Venus-Gusmer processing equipment.