December 2009 – The new Flat Charge Laminator (FCL) from MAG Industrial Automation Systems is ideal
for automated, high-production lay-up of composite spars, beams, stringers and similar parts for
wind-blade manufacture. The highly repeatable system drastically reduces labor, while improving
part quality, productivity and consistency. With four heads dedicated to four different materials,
the servo-controlled machine produces constant- or variable-thickness laminates on a segmented
vacuum table, compacting the layers with a force of 13.6 to 136 kg (30-300 pounds). The FCL handles
0/90 prepreg fabric, +/- 45 prepreg fabric, unidirectional tape and, as an option, foil or film.
Maximum material width is 300 mm (12 inches) on rolls up to 635 mm (25 inches) diameter and
weighing up to (150 pounds).
The machine features four servo-controlled dispensing heads on a placement carriage that
moves on rails integrated with the vacuum bed. The servo-powered placement carriage is driven by
rack-and-pinion system.
A Siemens PLC precisely controls the entire process, with speed and position feedback from
rotary and linear encoders on dispensing heads and placement carriage. The servo-driven supply
reels are protected with a magnetic clutch override, and the backing paper take-up system is torque
controlled. A stylus cutter cuts prepreg at 90 degrees, without cutting the backing paper. The
minimum course length is 300 mm (12 inches), and multiple short courses can be put down on the same
ply.
Options include hot-air heating, tape flaw detection, foil/film feeder, edge tracking, CATIA
software interface, and a semiautomatic load/unload turret for the heads.
About MAG
MAG is a leading machine tool and systems company serving the durable-goods industry
worldwide with complete manufacturing solutions. The company offers a comprehensive line of
equipment and technologies including process development, automated assembly, turning, milling,
automotive powertrain production, composites processing, maintenance, automation and controls, and
core components. Key industrial markets served by these technologies include aerospace, automotive
and truck, heavy equipment, oil and gas, rail, solar energy, wind turbine production and general
machining. With manufacturing and support operations strategically located worldwide, MAG ranks as
a leader in the capital equipment market. A growing number of leading international companies are
relying on the impressive innovation power of MAG to assure their technological leadership and
prepare for future challenges.For more information about MAG, please visit:
www.mag-ias.com
Press Release Courtesy of MAG Industrial Automation Systems
December 8, 2009
