Robotic fiber winding

Compotech has introduced an automated fiber winding machine which carries out fiber placement using a six-axis robot.

According to the company, the machine uses its proprietary axial fiber winding technology and integrated loop technology (ILT) which it says can produce fixture-free joints.

The machine also features winding software that controls the robot arm and winding mandrel and software that can convert a design specification into a production program to manufacture carbon fiber epoxy composite components.  

Recently, it has been programmed to manufacture a new type of composite pallet, for a logistics company. Compotech says that the new pallets could reduce transportation costs by replacing existing heavier metal pallets.