Economics of composite material manufacturing equipment

Abstract

Composite materials are used for products needing high strength-to-weight ratios and good corrosion resistance. For these materials, various composite manufacturing processes have been developed such as Automated Tow Placement, Braiding, Diaphragm Forming, Resin Transfer Molding, Pultrusion, Autoclave Curing and Hand Lay Up. The aim of this paper is to examine the equipment used for these seven processes and to produce a cost analysis for each of the processes equipment. Since many of these processes are relatively new or are fairly costly and specified to the customers need, much of the equipment is custom made to meet the requirements of the part being produced. Current pricing information for individual custom-built machines, as well as standard machinery has been provided here.