Blog
FOR THE
GRP
COMPOSITE
INDUSTRY
In recent years, the use of composite materials in manufacturing has
been on the rise due to their unique properties, including high
strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and excellent thermal
and electrical insulation. Among the various techniques used for
composite manufacturing, continuous filament winding is gaining
popularity due to its efficiency and flexibility. The continuous filament
winding process involves winding resin-impregnated fibers around a
rotating mandrel, which creates a continuous and seamless composite
structure.
While a band of hoop rovings are being wound around the mandrel,
chopped glass and silica sand are dosed uniformly into the band and
simulatneously impregnated with the resin system.
As the impregnated laminate travels to the end of the rotating mandrel at a
distance equal to the width of the steel band per mandrel revolution, it
starts to gel and hardens as it approaches the curing zone, where infrared
heaters provide the required amount of heat necessary to augment the
effect of exothermic reaction brought about by the polymerization of the
resin system.
Continuous Filament Winding (CFW) Machine: A Game-Changing Technology for GRP Pipes & Fittings
Manufacturing
GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) is a type of composite material that is
commonly used in various industries, including aerospace, automotive,
construction, and marine. GRP is made by combining glass fibers and a
resin matrix, usually polyester or epoxy. The fibers provide the strength
and stiffness, while the resin matrix holds them together and protects
them from environmental factors.
The continuous filament winding process for GRP pipe production
requires specialized equipment that can efficiently and accurately wind
the fibers around the mandrel. The GRP continuous filament winding
machine is the solution to this challenge. It is a computer-controlled
machine that can wind fibers at high speeds and with precision.
The GRP continuous filament winding machine consists of several
components, including a creel, a resin bath, a fiber guide, a rotating
forming and collapsing mandrel, a sand-dosing system, and a winding
mechanism. The creel holds the glass fibers, which are pulled through
the rotating mandrel, and a resin bath to impregnate the raw materials
(glass rovings, chopped glass, and silica sand) with the resin system.
The fiber guide then directs the fibers onto the rotating mandrel, where
they are wound in a continuous pattern. The winding mechanism
controls the tension and speed of the fibers, ensuring a uniform and
consistent structure.
This CFW machine is supplied by a European-based company called Technobell,
where they provide a complete technology know-how.
As the cured pipe approches the cuting zone, the saw unit is activated and
cuts the pipe.
One of the advantages of the GRP continuous filament winding machine is
its ability to produce pipe with sizes ranging from 300mm diameter to
4000mm diameter at remarkable speed. By using different mandrels, the
machine can produce tubes, pipes, and other cylindrical structures with
varying diameters and lengths.
Another advantage of the GRP continuous filament winding machine is its
efficiency. The machine can produce high volumes of composite structures
in a short amount of time, reducing the overall production time and cost.
The machine also produces a seamless structure, eliminating the need for
post-processing and reducing the likelihood of defects.
In conclusion, the GRP continuous filament winding machine is a game-
changing technology for composite manufacturing. Its ability to produce
complex shapes, high volumes, and seamless structures makes it a
valuable asset in various industries. As technology continues to advance,
we can expect to see even more efficient and flexible machines for
composite manufacturing.
Once the pipe is cut, the process cycle is repeated, hence the name continuous filament
winding which, by experience, can go on without stopping for weeks running 24 hours a
day, 7 days a week.
Visit Technobell’s Website at: https://www.technobell.eu/grp-production-technology/
