Thermoset Composites - Aerospace

ÉireComposites is involved in serial manufacturing of thermoset composite components (typical resin systems used are epoxies) for the aerospace industry, using both autoclave and Resin Transfer Moulding facilities. Components are inspected using C-Scan and other NDT techniques, trimmed and are then finished in our accredited painting facility..

Equipment and staff used in general aerospace manufacturing includes:

• Refrigerated store for prepregs and resins - calibrated to aerospace standards
• Clean room - calibrated to 100K
• Paint booth - calibrated to aerospace standards
• Grit blasting unit - calibrated to aerospace standards
• Non-Destructive Testing Facility:
  • 1 m2 Krautkramer Ultrasonic C-scan
  • A-scan
  • Tap testing
  • Level II & level I
  • Consultant level III

Autoclave Manufacturing

Autoclave manufacture of thermoset composite components for aerospace is carried out in the following equipment:

• 1.5 metre diameter x 3.0 metres long autoclave, 10 bar pressure, 400ºC. manufactured by LBBC in Britain, 2003, electrically-heated, pressurised by compressed air or nitrogen.
• 0.6 metre diameter x 1.2 metre experimental autoclave, 20 bar pressure, 450 ºC, electrically-heated, pressurised by nitrogen - mainly used for prototyping

Resin Transfer Moulding

Resin Transfer Moulding (RTM) manufacture of thermoset composite components for aerospace is carried out in the following equipment:

• 80 tonne single-daylight press, platen sizes 1.0 metre x 1.0 metre, 200ºC
• Calibrated aerospace oven, 2.0m x 2.0m x 2.0m, 200 ºC
• RTM machines - single and multi-part systems, pressure-pot system, up to 120ºC