High volume automation for spread tow composites (HASTe)

Purpose and goal

The purpose and aim of the project have been achieved by designing an automated production system aimed for high volume production together with estimates of cycle times and costs for this system. The costs and cycle times of the production system, together with the expected production volumes, have been compared with each other and provided a basis for how such a system could perform. In addition, actual forming tests and tool manufacturing have been performed to validate the forming processes required to manufacture the intended product.

Expected results and effects

The project shows that the TeXtreme material can be used for high volume production of the intended product. The results will serve as a basis for Oxeon to show potential customers that a high volume production of this product is possible and cost-effective, and that they can enter a new market segment while strengthening the Swedish composite industry. The project has therefore helped to show that through high volume automation of composite manufacturing, a country can be a low-cost country - without low wages.

Planned approach and implementation

The project team has followed the time plan and activities that were made. The project took off in a workshop where the production process was identified and mapped. A number of concepts for the production process with focus on the forming operation have been developed and iterated by recurring meetings with the project team. The forming tests have been a key part of the project as they showed that the product can actually be manufactured and with successful results. The entire production process and system, together with the forming tests, have been compiled in a confidential report.