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Resin transfer molding (RTM) is gaining importance as a particularly economical manufacturing method for composites needed in the automotive and aerospace industries. With this method, the component is first shaped with dry fiber reinforcements in a so-called “preforming process” before the mold is placed in a RTM tool, injected with resin and cured. In recent years, Broetje-Automation has been developing innovative product solutions that are specially designed for these preforming processes and suitable for industrial use. For the first time ever, Broetje’s Composite Preforming Cell (CPC) makes large-quantity serial production of complex and near-net-shape preforms for composite components using this RTM process possible. With the additional integration of the patented 3D Composite Handling System Broetje impressively demonstrates its service and product portfolio in the area of innovative composite manufacturing technology and its know-how as a complete system integrator.

A closing of the gap between the unit costs of composite parts and those of the competing metal parts as demanded by the market for years can best be achieved through use of automated systems. A unique automation solution for the production of composite parts is the Continuous Composite Preforming System (CCPS) by BROETJE-Automation (BA). This system permits the automated, continuous production of 3D shaped and curved composite profiles such as those requiredfor the frames and stringers of modern aircraft. At present such components can only be produced in a very time-intensive sequential manual or semi-automated process. The newly developed system provides a fully automated preforming process for curved profiles to ensure a cost efficient solution for composite frame production.