Rock West Composites (RWC), provider of composite products for a variety of markets, has announced the deployment of a six-spindle, four-axis filament winder that the business recently acquired. With advanced programming software and operating controls, this machine adds significant production capability to the company’s manufacturing operation.

The rapid growth in demand for filament wound product has required the near doubling of RWC’s manufacturing capacity in this area. The reduction of per part labour should increase cost efficiencies for certain programmes, supporting the business’s ability to provide commercial pricing for high volume production. Also, since demand for product is high, additional capacity increases equipment availability and provides flexibility to better accommodate customer schedule requirements.

RWC’s new filament winding machine has four axes of motion for precise fibre placement, and a 36-tow-capacity resin bath for rapid material build up. Its programmable doctor blade provides precise control of resin content, and a digitally controlled resin bath heating system assures optimum fibre wet out. To complement the machine’s capabilities, an advanced pattern simulation software is used to generate the winding programmes that allows the winding pattern to be viewed at any stage prior to the actual manufacturing process.

Dave Erickson, VP and general manager of RWC’s Utah facility said, “We are excited about this additional equipment to support our customer base. Increased filament winding capability enables us to remain extremely competitive as we continue to serve a variety of industries, including aerospace and defence, scientific research, oil & gas, and more.” (GK)