Composites Consulting
A range of solutions covering product development, composites simulation and manufacturing process. Whether you start with just an idea or you already have your product defined, we can assist you on the remaining challenges.
PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
We can help you through the whole product development chain to evolve your idea into functional solutions that meet your needs
COMPOSITES SIMULATION
With our range of analysis tools, including Finite Element Analysis, we can optimise your composites design in greater detail
MANUFACTURING PROCESS
Using our expertise, we can select the right process depending on your product, the series and target cost
Product Development Phases
1. CONCEPTS
You have an innovative idea that requires product definition, the concept phase lets ideas fly to visualise and shape your product.
2. DEVELOPMENT
Time to bring concepts to life. Design iterations involving material and process selection, CAD work and simulation to build a functional prototype for testing.
3. INDUSTRIALISATION
Once the prototype is validated, it is refined to suit the selected manufacturing process. We can help you find the right supplier and prepare the necessary drawings and tooling.
Composites Simulation
Composites offer greater design freedom than metals given their anisotropy. As a result, they require a different design approach as opposed to a “black metal approach”. With the right analysis tools, it is feasible to optimise your composite part and get the full performance benefits in addition to reducing the number of prototypes to be manufactured. We propose different types of simulation depending on your needs and complexity of your application.
LAMINATE ANALYSIS
For simple geometric shapes (panels, pipes, profiles), laminate theory is an efficient tool to quickly get to the results.
FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS
For complex shapes and finer detail, Finite Element Analysis enables a deeper understanding of load paths and stresses within the structure in service.
LAYUP OPTIMISATION
Algorithms are run to find an optimised layup to given parameters. This technique can find solutions that an experienced engineer could have missed.
TOPOLOGY OPTIMISATION
For lightweight applications, the shape of your product is optimised to follow load paths, resulting in no excess material.
Manufacturing Process
PROCESS SELECTION
Depending on your product, the series and the target cost, we can propose a manufacturing process to meet your requirements.
REFINE DESIGN
Fine tuning of your validated prototype to achieve the best results from the chosen manufacturing process.
LAYUP OPTIMISATION
Algorithms are run to find an optimised layup to given parameters. This technique can find solutions that an experienced engineer could have missed.
SEARCH SUPPLIER
We help you contact suitable suppliers to start your production plan and can prepare necessary drawings and tooling to save you time.
TOOLING DESIGN
We offer tool concepts and mold design for your application based on the selected manufaturing process.
Manufacturing processes we are experienced with :
LIQUID
RTM
Bladder-RTM
Thermoplastic-RTM
Vacuum Assisted Resin infusion
Wet Molding
PREPREG
Compression Molding
Bladder Molding
Autoclave
AUTOMATED
Automated Fibre Placement
Filament Winding
Ultrasonic Welding
Ultrasonic Cutting
Trimming