A filament winding machine can be manufactured with a range of specifications. It’s important to select the one that has the right specifications for your requirements. This will improve the capabilities and usage of the machine and be a more cost-effective option than having to upgrade later.
When you’re choosing a filament winding machine, there are a number of specifications that you should check first. This will ensure that you choose the right type of machinery or equipment for your requirements. The specifications will differ and they can be customised to meet your exact requirements. The elements you need to factor in include the application, size and capacity of the spindle.
Types of winding machines
There are a number of different filament winding machines that cater for various engineering and manufacturing applications.
Modular designed winding machines help to reduce the costs of engineering design and materials. This form of filament winding has been used for many years and has proven to be reliable and flexible. It offers the user the ability to select various winding lengths, diameters, the number of spindles and the amount of controlled axes.
There are filament winders that are compact but also incredibly robust in nature. They are ideal for situations where there is only a small amount of space but large volumes of winding are required. They have the capacity for a maximum of four spools and closed-loop tensioning.
Smaller winding machines are available, including those specifically marketed for the R & D and education sectors. They can be upgraded if required, with the ability to add a third or fourth axis.
Simple winding machines have two or three axes and are compatible with vinylester, polyester or Epoxy. They can incorporate ancillary features, such as chop or spray gun integration or veil dispensing.
Specifications
The initial consideration when you’re researching filament winding machinesis its intended application. This will dictate the type of features and ancillary equipment. For example, are you working in an R & D environment or will the machine need to accommodate high volumes?
The amount of axes you require will be another crucial factor. Some models will be limited to two or three axes, whereas others can accommodate multiple axes or be retrofitted as your needs and budget dictate.
Some winding machines require a substantial floor area, which can be an issue in some environments. It’s important to have a good understanding of the space you have available before you settle on a model. Some ranges have a compact footprint without reducing their capacity.
Alongside the actual filament winding machines, there is ancillary equipment that can complement their use. If you require these elements, such as data acquisition systems, Mandrel Extractors, or Fibre Tension Systems, it is vital that they are compatible with your chosen machine.
By understanding the specifications you require, you’ll be able to choose a filament winding machine that meets your precise requirements. This will increase productivity levels and reduce the costs of upgrading at a later date.
