METHODS & MANUFACTURING
POLYCONTACT Industrie has major knowledge concerning composite products and has mastered the manufacturing techniques involved.
The composite
High mechanical properties, high resistance to corrosion, rot-proof, lightweight (as light as aluminium), thermal insulation, resistance to UV, shape memory, self-extinguishing, excellent surface state (specific states upon demand), chemical inertia when in contact with agrofood products, permeability to electromagnetic and radioelectric waves, the possibility of impermeability by using a special sandwich core, etc.
Processes
Infusion
This enables parts to be made with very good mechanical characteristics thanks to an optimal fibre rate. This process involves impregnating dry fabric by applying resin to it. The application is carried out using low vacuum pressure created in the mould sealed with a flexible cover. This technique enables quick manufacturing of large parts.
RTM (Resin Transfer Moulding)
The resin is injected into a mould, sealed by a rigid casting mould, in order to impregnate the dry fabrics. Although it is more costly than infusion, this process enables parts to be obtained that have excellent mechanical properties. The fibre rate is optimal and the parts are finished on both sides. This process is suitable for serial production run speeds. We make parts using heavy RTM (metal moulds) and light RTM (polyester moulds) which offer regularity in terms of thickness and weight.
Contact moulding
This enables composite parts to be made manually.
These parts can be all shapes and sizes. This technique enables a part to be made quickly and using few tools due to the simplicity of its implementation. The speeds are however lower than for other techniques, although it is suitable for unit-based parts or small production runs.
Simultaneous projection moulding
This process is a development of contact moulding.
The operator uses a gun which simultaneously sprays cut fibre and catalysed resin. Finishing is however carried out manually in order to avoid leaving any air bubbles. The advantages are greater speed of execution whilst at the same time retaining close control over the proportions of the fibre and resin. This technique is perfectly suited to large parts.
Vacuum moulding
Vacuum moulding is carried out in two stages. The first stage involves stratifying the part in contact. The second stage is to place this stratification in a vacuum in order to remove the excess resin. This enables you to obtain a part with good mechanical characteristics at a lower cost.
Prepregs
Use or fabrics pre-impregnated with different sorts of resin, kept at a low temperature, draped on composite or metallic tooling, placed in a vacuum and polymerised by baking in an oven or an autoclave under pressurised conditions.
Flexible waterproofing for floors and tanks using non-solvent-based products that have ACS (Public Health Authorisation) approval.
Resources
Technical resources :
- Gelcoat spraying machines
- Spraying machines
- Fabrics cutting station
- Ovens
- Shared autoclaves
- Joinery
- Assembly room for precision assemblies
- Trimming and sanding room (with air extraction)
- Sanding station (for large parts)
- Infusion stations (with controlled temperature)
- RTM station
- Spraying station
- Stratification station
Information technology :
Clipper ERP/CAPM. Clipper is a production management software package which integrates commercial management, stocks management, maintenance, quality, etc. 2D & 3D CAD. We are equipped with the TopSolid CAD software for designing all your ideas.
With a view to achieving high performance and competitiveness, Polycontact Industrie has various partners. For example, for making models and machined moulds, machining composite parts, checks and on-site readings (3D digitalisation).
Polycontact industrie has a range of skills at its disposal through Composite Adour.
Our team :
Quality
Our staff’s everyday concern is to strive for a maximum quality level.
We are able to guarantee progress in relation to 5 guiding orientations:
- Monitoring projects
- Products traceability
- Condition and work environment
- Desire to achieve development
- Striving for customer satisfaction