Surface Generation delivers largest ever PtFS system to Quatro Composites

The modular PtFS system, which can be reconfigured for use across multiple projects, is being used to create thermoplastic structures as part of a high volume North American aircraft programme. It is the first system produced by Surface Generation to incorporate more than 200 individually heated and cooled areas within the tool faces, allowing thermal control to be applied even more precisely when forming highly complex components.

PtFS enables manufacturers using compression and injection moulding applications to adapt heating and cooling levels in real-time to meet the exact requirements of each part. The process is used by global automotive, aerospace, energy and consumer electronics manufacturers to improve component production quality and throughput.

Ben Halford, chief executive at Surface Generation, commented: “These monolithic composite components are subjected to high dynamic aerodynamic loads in a highly abrasive area of the aircraft. As such, this out-of-autoclave high volume production application needs to be incredibly precise to assure quality and maximise throughput. By using PtFS, Quatro Composites has achieved a step change in its manufacturing processes.”

Rob Westberg, VP R&D at Quatro Composites, added: "We’ve been working with Surface Generation to refine our production processes and prove that PtFS can form these complex components consistently, economically and to a greater quality than previously possible. PtFS is a cutting edge process that enhances our ability to produce structural components for state-of-the-art commercial and military aircraft.”

www.surface-generation.com

www.quatrocomposites.com