Product category:
Simulation, modelling and validation software
News Release from: ESI Group | Subject: Pam-RTM simulation software
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 26 January 2006
Tide is high for simulation software
Simulation software lets French boat maker design and develop tooling for composite-material production lines using closed mould technology.
French boat maker Poncin Yachts has picked ESI Group's Pam-RTM simulation software for manufacturing composites by injection Poncin Yachts is developing and producing a range of 9-to-15m-long sailing boats using high-performance and computer-controlled tooling organised around an industrial manufacturing process that uses resin transfer moulding and vacuum infusion for making composite hulls and decks
This article was originally published on Engineeringtalk on 22 Apr 2008 at 8.00am (UK)
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The software has made it possible to design and develop tooling for composite-material production lines using closed mould technology.
This technique improves the quality of parts and lets a very shiny final appearance be obtained.
The combined use of resin transfer moulding and vacuum infusion guarantees homogeneity of the resin in all the compartments of the mould for greater rigidity and a constant weight.
All the parameters are managed by automated controllers connected to sensors, which provide continuous monitoring of temperatures, pressures and volumes.
The manufacturing technique lends itself to high-level automation.
The resin is injected under vacuum, so it can avoid any contact with harmful or noxious products.
The emanations from harmful volatile organic compounds are contained and dealt with later, thereby reducing the emanation rate estimated at between 5 and 10ppm, a rate which is twice smaller than that required by the forthcoming 2007 EU standard.
Patrick de Luca, Head of Composite Materials Solutions for ESI Group, said "Poncin Yachts is henceforth able to anticipate potential manufacturing problems which could not previously be simulated when voluminous parts were being designed".
This lets Poncin Yachts, a newcomer to the French boating and sailing industry, use a production method never seen before in the field of sailing.
The work was entrusted to the Pole de Plasturgie de l'Est competitiveness cluster, which made use of resin injection simulation on fibrous reinforcements with the Pam-RTM software.
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