Key Equipment
Lynx Automated Fiber Placement Machine
Automated Composites Structure Inspection System (ACSIS)
Humm3 Heating System
Composite Autoclave
Composite Oven
Compression Molding Machine (Hot Press)
Induction Welder
MFMS has access to cutting-edge equipment enabling researchers to
develop engineered materials for industrial applications.
Lynx Automated Fiber Placement Machine
The Ingersoll Machine Tools Lynx AFP machine is used for the development of manufacturing methods for large composite structures.
- The system at the McNAIR Center is capable of working with thermoset, dry fiber, and
thermoplastic material systems. - The machine can layup 16, ¼ inch tows of carbon fiber between 40 - 60 meters per
minute for representation production level environment standards. - The Lynx is a 6 axis system, with 7th axis rotatory positioner, capable of working with
flat, double curved, and cylindrical tool geometries. - Maximum work envelope is 2150mm x 1524mm x 5000mm
Automated Composites Structure Inspection System (ACSIS)
ACSIS is developed by Ingersoll Machine Tools for the inspection and automated defect detection of fiber placed composite parts.
- ACSIS automatically inspects, detects, and maps the most common composite defects
and can be trained to detect further defects as necessary. - Current ACSIS scan speed is up to 120 m/min for detection defects from AFP layups.
Composite Oven
The Composites Oven at McNAIR is manufactured by Wisconsin Oven Corporation and is used for curing of thermoset material systems, consolidation of thermoplastic material systems, infusion of dry fiber material systems within oven during operation.
- The composites oven is fitted with an advanced elevated temperature infusion system
integrated by the McNAIR Center. - Additional specifications for the composites oven include: 6ft x 6ft x 10ft working space,
maximum operating temperature of 800℉, 4 vacuum ports with transducers and port
monitors, 24 thermocouple jacks for temperature monitoring of parts during oven
operation, electric based heating.
Compression Molding Machine (Hot Press)
The Compression Molding Machine at McNAIR is from Wabash and is used for curing of thermoset material systems, consolidation of thermoplastic material systems, and thermoforming of material systems.
- The compression molding machine is capable of temperatures up to 800°F and force up
to 50 tons. Maximum workspace capability of 20” x 20” x 6” - Molds currently available:
- Flat Plate Picture Frame (12” x 6”)
- L-Stiffener (6” length with 1” flanges)
- Omega-Stiffener (6” length and 4” height)
Induction Welder
The induction welder at McNAIR are used for the heating and fusion bonding of composite material systems, specifically thermoplastic composites.
- The induction welder can be used for fusion of both carbon fiber and glass fiber
reinforced composites. - Major Welding Equipment available for the Induction Welder are as follows:
- Ambrell Induction Heaters
- EasyHeat (10kW power)
- EkoHeat (45kW power)
- KUKA Robot
- KvE Induction Welding Tool and Coil
- Automated Data Acquisition Software and Tower
