The newly developed resin transfer molding (RTM) press by Austrian machinery manufacturer Langzauner, installed within the University of Sheffield's Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC), can reduce the processing time of large components by a factor of 10. This press, specifically designed for manufacturing aerospace structural parts, will advance the center’s Composites at Speed and Scale (Compass) project by reducing the processing time of large components from about 40 hours to just 4 hours, while maintaining quality standards.

It is reported that AMRC's Compass uses a new open innovation facility, which will initially house Boeing's research projects, significantly advancing UK aerospace research and development by lowering risks and developing high-speed sustainable structures.

The stamping system boasts an impressive 10,500 x 3,500 mm platen size, providing unprecedented precision, with pressing force fully adjustable up to 2,400 tons.

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The system is fully integrated with Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) capabilities, enabling comprehensive data collection for artificial intelligence and machine learning applications in factory-scale process optimization.

The system's features are described as revolutionary, including:

Precision control of press force adjustment to 0.1%;

An advanced slide system capable of accommodating mold weights up to 180 tons;

Precise plate parallelism control within one-thousandth of a millimeter;

Individual cylinder control with active parallelism management;

Innovative gap injection function with two-axis rotation capability.

A Huge Leap in Aerospace Manufacturing

"This technology represents a huge leap in aerospace manufacturing capabilities," said Alexander Wiesner, Global Sales and Marketing Director at Langzauner. "We are not just making equipment; we are revolutionizing how the next generation of aircraft will be produced."

Darren Wells, Senior Technical Fellow for Large Composite Structures at AMRC, said: "When we set out the specifications for such a groundbreaking piece of equipment, we knew we had set very high standards for what could be achieved. Langzauner's solution not only met all our objectives but exceeded many of them, meaning this press will be at the forefront of high-speed composite manufacturing research for years to come.

"Langzauner's commitment to vertical integration is further demonstrated in the assembly of large thermoforming machines for RTM preform preparation, ensuring a complete solution for the next generation of aerospace manufacturing needs."