DS-SEP22-PG06+07_Layout 1 22/09/2022 10:59 Page 6
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ncc manufactures ceramic matrix composites using automated fibre placement
In a European first, engineers at the National Composites Centre (NCC) have manufactured Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMCs) using Automated Fibre Placement (AFP) technology. This paves the way for the high-temperature capabilities of these materials to be unlocked within engines – making them more efficient and reducing CO2
emissions. The project – completed as part of the NCC’s
Core Research programme and supported by Rolls-Royce, Reaction Engines, MBDA and 3M – has demonstrated that a novel oxide-based ceramic tow-preg material from 3M can be used in automated deposition. Whilst conventional Nickel based superalloys
have a maximum continuous temperature of approximately 800˚C, oxide-based CMCs can operate at 1000˚C, with the higher operating temperature potentially improving the efficiency of aerospace engines and reducing fuel consumption and the subsequent CO2
emissions. However, the widespread use of CMCs is
currently limited to high value applications, such as heat shields and turbine vanes. Being able to process a more affordable version of the material using AFP technology will reduce the final cost of making CMC parts, making them a more appealing proposition for industries who require components that can withstand high temperatures. Furthermore, using an automated process will offer excellent control over material
deposition and could prove a vital innovation to improve material consistency. The project team adapted existing AFP
technology, typically used to process organic matrix composites, like carbon fibre reinforced epoxy materials, to process 3M’s material. They also investigated how process parameters such as speed, heat and compaction force influence the material deposition and quality, establishing the UK’s foundational knowledge of automated ceramic composite processing which can be exploited by UK industries. Identifying the optimal deposition parameters reduces the material variability, removing one of the largest challenges for CMCs to be used more widely. This could also lower the cost of CMCs and create less waste. Dr. Dave King, engineering capability
lead for advanced materials at the NCC, said: “By manufacturing 3D trial parts, we have demonstrated compatibility of CMC Towpregs with existing AFP equipment. In the next year we hope to use our optimised manufacturing parameters to create even more complex geometries, starting with curved surfaces, to closer represent industrial parts. With 3M’s support, we are also investigating wider material formats to reduce the number of inter tape joints in the material to increase its performance. These factors are critical for their deployment in industry.” Angus Braithwaite, senior materials engineer at
dates for 2023 railtex exhibition announced
Railtex 2023 will be taking place from 9-11 May 2023 at the NEC in Birmingham. According to the organiser, the event provides an opportunity to experience state of the art equipment and innovative systems and solutions. The show will include demonstrations and an extensive seminar programme focusing on hot topics for the industry. “The show allows you to discover the latest
developments in all the areas of the railway industry and an excellent cross-section of technologies and solutions to facilitate the safe, efficient, and sustainable operation of rail transport,” explained Martin Clarke, Railtex event manager.
www.railtex.co.uk
rainford solutions opens new electrostatic power painting plant
Rainford Solutions – the manufacturer of indoor and outdoor racks, cabinets and enclosures and part of the UK’s critical infrastructure supply chain for the telecommunications, defence, rail, transport and energy markets – has opened a new £1 million-pound electrostatic powder painting plant at its site in St Helens, Merseyside. Rainford has partnered with
GEMA and RDM Engineering to create one of the most advanced in-house powder paint operations in the UK. The new plant will bring significant benefits to the business and Rainford customers in process control, capacity, speed, reliability and powder coating performance.
Using the new plant, the company will offer a wide range of powder paint solutions to fit customer’s exact requirements of colour, gloss and surface effect, for all indoor and the most challenging outdoor environments. Jerome Fox, Rainford
managing director, said: “This investment is part of our on-going growth strategy, strengthening further our operational capability to meet market demand. Bringing the powder painting process in- house means we have full control
of the process from design to final product.”
www.rainfordsolutions.com
6 DESIGN SOLUTIONS september 2022
Reaction Engines, added: “Alongside the development of its air breathing, high speed propulsion systems, Reaction Engines recognises that CMCs will play an important part in optimising space-access, high-speed flight and other cutting edge aerospace applications. Solving the high- cost/low-volume manufacture constraints currently associated with CMCs and their supply chain would greatly contribute to advancing progress in these sectors. Reaction Engines welcome the opportunity to support the AFP-CMC Core project at the NCC. The project has successfully demonstrated Europe’s first manufacture of AFP-CMC and shows greater potential for the wider CMC industry.”
nccuk.com/contact news in Brief
Brammer Buck & Hickman, which has been part of the Rubix Group since 2018, is changing its name to ‘Rubix’. Vince McGurk, CEO of Rubix in the UK,
Ireland & Iceland said: “The Brammer Buck & Hickman name may have changed, but our customers can expect the same high levels of service they have always received, while continuing to benefit from the Group’s range
and availability of products and services.”
uk.rubix.com
Exeter-based electronics specialist Mantracourt is to establish a Dutch subsidiary to support the needs of its European customers. The company will continue to manufacture from its Devon factory but will import products into the EU via its subsidiary, absorbing the time and cost associated with lengthy
liability paperwork.
www.mantracourt.com
Connector specialist Nicomatic has acquired its Swedish distributor Accurate after a 20-year partnership. This external growth marks the beginning of a new model, using the Scandinavian company’s existing consultancy expertise and accelerating the development of integrated electronic systems in partnership with a powerful
local ecosystem.
www.nicomatic.com
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