Citation
(2007), "Highly advanced production facility for aircraft composites", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 79 No. 6. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2007.12779fab.006
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2007, Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Highly advanced production facility for aircraft composites
Highly advanced production facility for aircraft composites
SGL Group – The Carbon Company – has released an important investment for its US/Los Angeles-based subsidiary HITCO Carbon Composites, Inc. based on the Group's strategy for the Business Unit Carbon Fibers & Composites. HITCO purchased a Viper 6,000 Fiber Placement System [2](AFP) manufactured by Cincinnati Machine. This highly advanced automated carbon fiber composite production facility enables HITCO to substantially increase its production capabilities for the continuously growing demand of composites in construction and development of the aircraft industry.
The AFP investment in addition to the recently announced purchase of an automated Tape Lay-up machine (ATL), also from Cincinnati Machine, is a further important step for processing carbon fiber for the aircraft industry. With AFP and ATL HITCO consequently continues its strategy to support major commercial aviation programs. This enables the Company to produce a fully automated broad base of high-quality composite products with respective increase in productivity. This new and highly advanced processing technology is an essential move for production of composites compared to the traditionally mainly handmade products. The AFP configuration will provide two line capability enabling HITCO to better support high-rate production programs. Parts expected to be laid-up on the AFP include: aft fuselages, controlled aircraft surfaces, tailcones, pressure bulkheads, and related structures. The AFP will commence operations early 2009.
“The AFP investment is part of our multi-million US modernization program that will enable HITCO to become the “Best in Class Automated Tier II Supplier” to the aerospace and defense industry,” said Edward G. Carson, HITCO's chief operating officer. “In addition, we are enhancing our design and engineering capabilities and our production facilities so that we may obtain additional long- term production contracts with strategic Tier I aerospace manufacturers. As we go forward we have further substantial investments planned to support an aggressive growth strategy”.