A ‘First’ in Automated Composites Processing

The VIPER AFP system is the world’s most widely used platform for automated layup of complex composite aerostructures. “While the industry struggles to introduce technology that can deliver high-quality layup at required production rates, the VIPER has been supporting, and continues to support, the largest number of aircraft programs worldwide, including commercial, military and space,” Harper stressed.

The VIPER provides independent control over feed, clamp, cut and re-start for up to 32 individual tows of composite prepreg slit tape, allowing automated “on-the-fly” adjustment of the fiber band width, controlled placement of fibers around changing contours, and precise configuration of openings.

The system allows wrinkle-free, near-net-shape lay-up of enclosed and deeply contoured structures and concave/convex surfaces for precision production of fuselage sections, panels, cowls, ducts and nozzle cones for commercial, military and space vehicles. The VIPER 6000 handles tow widths of 3.2, 6.4 and 12.7 mm (0.125, 0.25, 0.5 in), producing fiber band widths up to 406.4 mm (16 in).

Other recent innovations by MAG include the GEMINI™ Composite Processing System, introduced in 2012, and the VIPER 7000 vertical gantry fiber placement system. The GEMINI vertical gantry, built for accuracy and versatility in aerospace production, offers head changing capability to accommodate various fiber or tape laying heads or a combination of both.

The VIPER 7000, another gantry platform, features a fixed head designed for speed and high-volume performance. Its design allows unlimited part length and multiple work zones for the largest wind energy and aerospace parts. In addition to hardware solutions, MAG also provides ACES® software (Advanced Composites Environment Suite), the industry’s fastest and most powerful programming and simulation system for both tape laying and fiber placement.

MAG pioneered automated composites processing for building aerostructures, and its systems are widely used in major worldwide aircraft programs, with over 125 installations globally, nearly 40 percent of them in Europe and Asia.

MAG is a leading machine tool and systems company serving the durable goods industry worldwide with complete manufacturing solutions for metal cutting and composites applications. With a strong foundation based upon renowned brands such as Boehringer, Cincinnati, Cross & Trecker, Ex-Cell-O, Fadal, Forest Liné, Giddings & Lewis, Hessapp, Honsberg, Hüller Hille, Lamb, Modul and Witzig & Frank, the machine tool builder is recognized as the preeminent provider of tailored production solutions based on state-of-the-art technology.

Key industrial markets served include aerospace, automotive and truck, heavy equipment, oil and gas, rail, solar energy, wind turbine production and general machining.

With manufacturing and support operations strategically located worldwide, MAG offers comprehensive lines of equipment and technologies including turning, milling, hobbing, grinding, honing, systems integration, composites processing, cryogenic machining, maintenance, automation and software, tooling and fluids, and core components. www.mag-ias.com