Dec 2009
Large scale infusion work at Princess Yachts
Composite Integration have continued to support the ground-breaking large scale infusion work at Princess Yachts with the successful production of the first 105 ft hull. Using Ciject infusion machinery specifically developed for the project, three tonnnes of resin were dispensed in just over three hours to infuse the highly complex structural fibre lay-up under optimum control with minimal wastage.
(left image) The Princess Yachts infusion team, Shaun Davy, Ned Popham and Julian Spooner with Andy Horton from Diab and Richard Bland and Stephen Leonard-Williams from Composite Integration (right image) 105 Hull Mould at the start of the infusion
July 2009
VRTM Training Course dates Announced:
The next VRTM Mould Building course will be held at Composite Integration 15th-16th September 2009. The course follows a well proven format with a mixture of theoretical and practical work and is suitable for anyone interested in ‘closed-mould’ processing. The aim of the course is to provide sound background knowledge of the process in general, as well as a practical basis for mould builders. Please contact us for further details or a registration form.
Download Information sheet here
June 2009
Second Biannual Composite Summit
Composite Integration is proud to have participated in the Second Biannual Composite Summit hosted by Metyx Composites in Istanbul, Turkey.
This unique six day event is the most comprehensive event for high-performance composites in Turkey and brought industry leaders from across the globe. This year a total of 140 participants and presenters represented 18 different countries.
Based on demand for more industry knowledge and expertise, the event was expanded to include a three-day composites conference followed by a three-day Composite Integration VRTM Mould Building Course. This consisted of a mixture of detailed theoretical presentations supported by live demonstrations and hands-on practical work.
Other News in 2009
Winners of Cornwall Business of the Year Award 2009
We are delighted to announce that Composite Integration has won not only the ‘Business Innovation of the Year’ award but also the hotly contested ‘Winner of Winner’s’ Business of the Year 2009 award.
The Innovation prize, sponsored by the Eden Project, was awarded for the development of specific technology for the resin infusion industry. This work has centred on the development of the Ciject range of meter-mixing equipment to supply resin directly into large scale infusion processes.
Stephen Leonard-Williams and Richard Bland attended the Grand Awards Dinner and were presented with the awards by guest speaker Gerald Ratner.
The judging panel included Sir John Banham, chairman of Johnson Matthey, Steve Ridgeway CEO of Virgin Atlantic, John Smith CEO of BBC Worldwide, Nathan Waller Director of Commercial Banking NatWest and Peter Steward Director of Communications for The Eden Project.
The awards come as a huge boost to the company’s staff who have worked exceptionally hard to meet the challenges of working in a rapidly developing technology based company, whilst coping with the current unpredictable financial climate.
Composite Integration Ltd has started 2009 with record sales and a range of exiting new developments.
Activities in a busy 2008/2009 included:
JEC 2009
This years JEC exhibition in Paris saw huge interest from around the world in the CI range of equipment, especially new developments in machinery for use with large-scale infusion processes.
The event was generally considered to be very successful, despite the global economic climate, and demonstrated that ‘Composites’ is still an area of engineering with much to offer in a rapidly changing world.
Composite Integration at the Science Museum.
Composite integration is excited that one of its development projects has found its way into an exhibition in the London Science Museum.
The project was a collaboration between designer Lee McCormack, Oculas Group and McLaren Applied Technologies and produced a composite ‘multimedia capsule’- The Oculas’.
CI were contracted to help convert the original design concept into a complex assembly of interconnecting composite structure entirely manufactured in VRTM.
A suit of ten moulds were manufactured from CNC patterns and prototype parts moulded before transferring to full production.
Recently relaunched, the renamed Ovei has now taken its place in an exhibition at the Science Museum entitled ‘Fast Forward- 20 ways F1 is changing our world’ which was reviewed in the March edition of ‘Engineering’ Magazine
Download article here.
The continued development of a range of infusion equipment to complement the existing Ciject range. This has culminated in production of bespoke highly sophisticated machinery for a leading UK motor-yacht manufacturer to automatically supply mixed resin in shot sizes over 1.5 tons. The entire process is highly controlled and has demonstrated tangible advantages including massive waste reduction and simplicity of control. This development was featured by ‘Reinforced Plastics’ Magazine in a technical article published in November 2008.
Download article here.
The development of processing equipment for the aerospace industry has continued with the ongoing collaborative project between Composite Integration and Plymouth University. The two year KTP project has produced a working prototype able to inject single-component epoxy resins with unparalleled levels of control. This is now being built into a production unit that will be available in a modular format (enabling the specification to be adapted to suit requirements). The machine will be commercially launched in the second half of 2009.
The Ciject range of RTM Equipment continues to be accepted by world-class composite manufacturers. Highly sophisticated Ciject Two equipment has been installed at Sotira, one of Europe’s largest RTM producers. Other machinery has been supplied into the wind energy industry with plans to further develop equipment in 2009 specifically for this area.
Tooling projects currently include the completion of a full production set of VRTM moulds for a leading UK shower-tray manufacturer. Work is also underway with a leading UK Marine manufacturer to develop highly complex large-scale VRTM glazing structures and hatch covers for a new 21 m boat. Other current projects include products for military, automotive and aerospace applications.
The recruitment of new staff has continued with the addition of an experienced technician to supervise tooling production and additional equipment assembly personnel to cope with increased sales. We have also recruited a new office administrator to further improve our ability react to new and existing customers.
Training Courses in RTM mould construction have been hosted world-wide including events in the UK, Mexico, Spain, and Turkey. The Training course hosted by Metyx in Turkey was the most ambitious such event so far and saw 32 attendees, working in teams, successfully complete and commission 12 individual VRTM moulds over a four day period.
Download May 2008 article here, and October 2008 article here.
Composite Integration are ongoing partners in the Acts Project (Advanced Composite Truss Structures) co-funded by the Technology Strategy Board. Other partners include Bentley, Airbus, Qintetiq, NP Aerospace, Nottingham University, Oxford Brooks University, Pipex, Network Rail and Carr Reinforcements. The project aim is to develope innovative high strength ultra-light space-frame structures for civilian and military applications. Strength, stiffness, high-velocity impact and fatigue performance will be assessed and validated through modelling, simulation and practical trials. The composite ‘nodes’ will be manufactured by RTM and innovative tooling concepts are being developed to cope with varying geometry and scale.
We will be attending JEC Paris (stand G74) again this year with a full range or RTM and Infusion equipment and services. We look forward to seeing many old friends as well as meeting new ones.
January 2008
Composite Integration have expanded premises with the acquisition of Unit 21E in Brunel Road. This adjoining unit doubles the workshop floor space and will provide a dedicated area for equipment assembly and testing. A new meeting room and staff rest room have also been built as part of the expansion.
December 2008
Composite Integration have completed the first stage of a project with Fairline Boats Ltd to increase RTM component count on their latest 55' and 65' boats.
October 2007
We welcome Laurence Broadbent to the technical staff. A graduate in Robotics and Automated systems, Laurence adds a further element to the project and design team.
June 2007
Composite Integration participated in Metyx Composite Days 2007, a week long composites seminar and training programme in Istanbul, Turkey. Composite Integration ran two training seminars for more than 50 customers as part of their new agreement with Metyx to work together supplying RTM technology into the Turkish market. In addition, more than 80 people attended a conference day with additional presentations from Aerovac UK, Scott Bader, Armacell, Spheretex, Polyworx, Duratec and Axel Release agents. Metyx supply a range of multiaxial and combination mats in various fibre types.
See www.metyx.com for more details.
May 2007
Composite Integration have been successful in their application for funding to develop a new generation of RTM processing equipment for the Aerospace industry. The two year programme is a collaboration between CI, The University of Plymouth and the Knowledge Transfer Partnership. Recruitment is beginning for a suitable engineering graduate.
April 2007
Composite Integration have completed the first stage of their partner programme. See Partners page for details.
March 2007
Composite Integration Ltd are pleased to have supplied three special purpose machines designed to assist with rapid wet-out for manufacture of pipeline components in Azerbaijan.
March 2007
Composite Integration Ltd have launched their latest CIJECT Zero RTM and Light RTM injection machine at JEC 2007. Designed to provide a low cost entry to this market, the CIJECT Zero represents unmatched engineering quality, ease of use and sophistication at this price point. Contact us for further details. Data sheets to appear on this web site shortly.
March 2007
JEC 2007 proved to be an excellent exhibition for Composite Integration Ltd with record enquiries in all areas of RTM.
January 2007
Composite Integration Ltd complete agreements with Bang & Bonsomer OY in Finland and Bang & Bonsomer Estonia Ltd for the Baltic Region as part of a new worldwide collaboration programme. Bang & Bonsomer will be supplying Composite Integration Technology and products in Finland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.
November 2006
Composite Integration Ltd are working with Bang & Bonsomer to introduce RTM Light at Tahe Kayaks in Estonia.
November 2006
Stephen Leonard-Williams, a Director of Composite Integration will be giving a presentation at the DSM Marine Group conference in Zwolle, Netherlands to DSM Marine customers from across Europe.
October 2006
A new RTM mould clamp system has been launched by Composite Integration. They provide high force rapid clamping and integrate with our standard RTM location dowels to enable accurate X, Y and Z location. Part No. XM-0301.
September 2006
In response to increased demand for high quality composite tooling, Composite Integration Ltd have added two further staff to their mould making department. Additional skills included coded welding capabilities.
August 2006
Composite Integration Ltd will be exhibiting at the China Composites Expo 2006 in Shanghai in co-operation with Lintex International Co Ltd ( www.lintex.cc ). Visit www.chinacompositesexpo.com for details of the exhibition.
August 2006
The CIJECT™ Epoxy machine has been introduced featuring the same advanced control combined with unparalleled ease of use as the CIJECT™ One. The machine can inject epoxy materials with ratios from 100:6 to 100:50 using 316 stainless steel throughout the entire hardener system to provide excellent corrosion protection.
July 2006
Composite Integration have completed a large development and tooling project for the BAe Systems Panther Military Vehicle. (Picture published with kind permission of the Defence Procurement Agency)
March 2006
Composite Integration Ltd have been awarded a contract to supply 19 CIJECT™ pump units to be used in the manufacture of new water pipelines in Baku, Azerbaijan.
Feb 2006
Composite Integration Ltd will be exhibiting at the JEC Composites Show on stand P67 running at the Paris Expo from March 28th to March 30th 2006. Please contact us for further details or see www.jeccomposites.com
Jan 2006
Composite Integration Ltd have completed installation of the second fully automated RTM production workcell at New World Developments Ltd for the manufacture of composite door skins. The workcell utilises the new CIJECT™ injection machine pumping 5.5 litres per minute of filled Modar at injection pressures up to 20 bar combined with a custom designed 450 tonne double shuttle hydraulic press . Total cycle time is less than 8 minutes in normal production.
See www.apeer.uk.com for product information.
Jan 2006
Composite Integration announce launch of CIJECT™, the new generation of RTM/VRTM injection equipment.
The first in a range of highly innovative and sophisticated Injection Equipment is to be launched in February 2006 by the UK’s leading specialists in ‘closed Mould’ processes. The Ciject™ range combines an unrivalled level of sophistication with ease of operation. Coupled with superb design and uncompromising engineering quality, this represents a significant landmark in injection equipment development.
The end result of an unprecedented body of design and engineering development work, the Ciject™ ONE has been production tested in a wide variety of applications with outstanding results. It includes many unique design features placing it firmly at the forefront of machinery development, providing both commercial and technical benefits.
Further details available from Composite Integration Ltd
September 2005
New Word Developments Ltd have awarded a second contract for equipment to manufacture composite door skins to Composite Integration Ltd. Due to the success of the first project and the subsequent demand for Apeer Doors, it has been necessary to procure a second fully automated RTM production workcell.
See www.apeer.uk.com for product information.
July 2005
Composite Integration Ltd would like to welcome two new members of staff. John Williams is a toolmaker with 16 years of composite tool manufacturing experience and will be helping ensure the smooth running of the mould workshop. Ross Girdler is a graduate from the University of Plymouth, currently under training.
June 2005
Composite Integration Ltd in conjunction with Euroresins bv, CT Platon bv and DSM Netherlands carried out a successful Vacuum RTM training course at DSM's technical facility in Zwolle for people from a wide range of companies across the Netherlands. Further courses are planned later in the year. Please contact Peter Heins for further information. Thank you to all those who assisted in the organisation and also those who attended the course.
May 2005
Composite Integration Ltd have produced a new moulding ejector to assist with de-moulding of FRP components from either hand lay-up, spray-up or closed moulds. The ejector includes an in-mould insert for composite tooling, or, it can be screwed directly into metal tooling. For in-mould pressures up to 3 bar, only an open signal is required (a close signal is required for in-mould pressures up to 10 bar). The the unique design allows maximum airflow to de-mould the component without mechanical damage. Top mounted fittings are used for easy access in deep mould cavities along with a small in-mould footprint.
Click here for pdf data sheet.
March 2005
On the 15th and 16th of March 2005, Composite Integration Ltd will be running a Vacuum RTM Light tool manufacturing course at DSM, Zwolle, Netherlands. The course is currently full, but please contact Gijs Verhagen at Euroresins bv for a reserve place.
February 2005
Composite Integration gave the opening presentation on closed moulding at the Marine Engineering Conference in Milan. The event was attended by over 200 delegates from more than 80 of Europe's most influential marine companies. Thanks go to one of the event sponsors, Euroresins, for their hospitality.
November 2004
Composite Integration, along with several other SME's and research bodies across Europe have begun co-operating on an EU funded project entitled 'Safephone'. The two year project aims to develop intelligent, self monitored, self powered emergency telephone casings for use in hazardous, arduous or safety critical situations.
October 2004
Composite Integration welcomes Alan Bond to the company. Joining in mid November, Alan is a design engineer with a long track record in the composites industry and will be an invaluable asset.
September 2004 - Southampton Boat Show
Sunseeker International displayed their new Predator 82 at the Southampton Boat Show. The boat has a revolutionary new 4m diameter rotating roof developed and moulded in Light RTM in conjunction with Composite Integration Ltd and Diab UK Ltd. More details to follow.
August 2004
Composite Integration Ltd are proud to be a sponsor of Plymouth Raiders Junior basketball squad. Plymouth Raiders are one of the country's top professional basketball teams playing in the British Basketball League.
See Plymouth Raiders website for more information.
May 2004
Composite Integration Ltd has worked closely with Sunseeker International to implement and equip a dedicated production facility specifically to manufacture components ‘in house’ using closed moulding processes.
March 2004
New World Developments Launch their new composite door products at Glassex 2004. The 'Apeer' range of doors use RTM surfaces manufactured using a turnkey system installed by Composite Integration Ltd. Up to 20,000 mouldings per annum can be produced in a variety of styles and through colours. The results can be seen at www.apeer.uk.com
March 2004
Stephen Leonard-Williams will be giving a presentation on closed moulding at the forthcoming GRP Material Supplies / Cray Valley Infusion Seminar held at the Cray Valley Technical Centre on March the 17th and 18th. Contact Dave Edgell at GRPMS (01329 225222) to book a place. Click here for GRP Material Supplies web site.
February 2004
Due to continued expansion, Composite Integration Ltd have moved to a new site with significantly larger workshop and office areas enabling larger scale production, project and research & development work to be undertaken in house. Please note the new details in your records!
November 2003
Composite Integration Ltd feature in Reinforced Plastics magazine November issue focussing on closed mould processing.
August 2003
Composite Integration Ltd launch a unique new mould Injection Valve (patent pending). See the Products section for further details.
July 2003
Composite Integration Ltd are awarded a major aerospace consultancy contract to assist with the design and process optimisation of a high Vf carbon/epoxy component using multipart heated metal RTM tooling.
June 2003
Composite Integration Ltd are awarded a major contract to supply a turnkey RTM manufacturing solution for the production of 40,000 composite door skins per annum in a range of styles and colours. More details to follow.
February 2003
Composite Integration Ltd introduce a new range of ancillary items for RTM and Vacuum Moulding with emphasis on improved quality and performance, innovative, ergonomic design and cost effectiveness. See Products section for further details.
October 2002
Composite Integration Ltd have introduced training courses for the design and manufacture of moulds for the Vacuum Moulding (VM) and Resin Transfer Moulding (RTM processes). See the Training section for further details.
May 2002
Composite Integration Ltd launch covered by Net Composites. Click here to view.