Technology
Processes
Processes
Table Rolling
Individual prepreg patterns are cut to size and shape by
our CNC cutting table (to see why we choose
to use prepreg click this link to go to the
TECHNOLOGY page.)
The patterns are then oriented
and wrapped on a hard tool.
The design of the laminate (ply stack) is based
on the mechanical requirements of the part.
The wall thicknesses are built up ply by ply with these fully
customizable lay ups. A heated plate tacks the material
on the mandrel and a customized platen rolls the tube to
adhere one ply to the next.
This process compacts the laminate forcing out any trapped air.
A proprietary shrink tape applies
6-8 bar of pressure during oven cure. With our custom
curing ovens and shrink tape we are able to achieve the
ideal blend of temperature and pressure for a variety
of cure profiles. All of ICE’s manufacturing equipment
is designed and built in house.
The patterns are then oriented
and wrapped on a hard tool.
The design of the laminate (ply stack) is based
on the mechanical requirements of the part.
The wall thicknesses are built up ply by ply with these fully
customizable lay ups. A heated plate tacks the material
on the mandrel and a customized platen rolls the tube to
adhere one ply to the next.
This process compacts the laminate forcing out any trapped air.
A proprietary shrink tape applies
6-8 bar of pressure during oven cure. With our custom
curing ovens and shrink tape we are able to achieve the
ideal blend of temperature and pressure for a variety
of cure profiles. All of ICE’s manufacturing equipment
is designed and built in house.
Bladder Molding
Bladder molding is used for more complex hollow shapes.
Prepreg material is applied to a semi-rigid bladder.
The part is then inserted into a female cavity mold.
A heated press is used to clamp the mold shut and cure the part.
Air pressure is used to force the laminate outward in the
cavity and consolidate the material in the closed mold.
After a complete cure
cycle the finished part is removed from the mold
and the bladder is removed from the inside of the part.
Compression Molding
Compression molding utilizes a heated press similar to the
bladder molding technique mentioned above.
However, the compression molding technique utilizes the actual
mold surfaces to provide the pressure needed for cure instead
of air pressure inside the bladder.
Compression molding is
ideal for parts requiring a solid section or a thicker wall
section.
It is also helpful in manufacturing large and
small parts requiring different shapes and a greater amount
of detail in their design.
Due to the versatility associated with our manufacturing
methods there are very few composite parts that ICE
is unable to manufacture.
Finishing
ICE's secondary manufacturing and finishing capabilities
run the gamut from powder coating and precision cutting to 4 axis CNC
milling and machining.
We can provide raw
or finished composite parts, composite parts
designed to work with existing composite parts,
or fit our components with non-composite
parts here on-site.
We offer a complete service ranging from raw tubing
to fully finished assemblies.