– including a 30,000l water cooling system, a smaller 17 tonne autoclave, a nitrogen generating plant, a hydraulic hot press, a double diaphragm hot drape former and two curing ovens.
Moved from Airbus’ facility in Filton, the large autoclave operates at 400oC and a pressure of 200psi. The project presented several specific challenges. These included removing the hot drape former (which uses 2,500 bulbs as its heat source) from its previous location and moving the water cooling system, including hundreds of metres of pipework, to a space outside the building in order to supply both autoclaves and the hot press.
NCC chief executive Peter Chivers added: “Moving a 90 tonne autoclave and a manufacturing infrastructure is a complex and challenging task. AIC played a key role in ensuring the transfer went to plan and are now helping with the installation of the equipment. Its engineers provided a professional and expert service and this will enable the NCC to start to deliver a much needed capability.”
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