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Advanced Fiber Placement
Definition
NCAM has two Advanced Fiber Placement machines that are referred to as Fiber Placement Machine #1 and #2 ( FPM1 and FPM2). These machines are used for the manufacture of complex-shaped structures of varying sizes that are composed of composite materials. These materials, which offer lighter weight with equivalent or greater strength than metals, are increasingly used in airframes and other industrial products. Both AFP machines are housed in a temperature-controlled enclosure. The autoclave at NCAM cures parts made from the fiber placement machines and other composite manufacturing processes.
Enclosure
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Outside of enclosure showing a roll-up door. |
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Inside the enclosure, plenty of prep area. |
Both of NCAM's Fiber Placement Machines are contained in an enclosure with the following features:
- Temperature controlled at 70°F, +/- 5°
- 45% Relative Humidity, +/- 5% humidity control
- Two 20-ton bridge cranes
- Two 20 ft. x 20 ft. roll up doors
- 2,500 sq. ft. (roughly 111 ft. x 22.5 ft.) preparation / lay-up area outside of the "pit" where the FPMs are located.
Additionally, a 20 ft. x 30 ft. freezer for the storage of resin pre-impregnated fiber on spools is attached to the FPM enclosure. The freezer will maintain a temperature range of -10 to 0 F°.
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