Pultrusion Equipment
During the pultrusion process a continuous fiber reinforcement in roving or mat/roving form is drawn through a resin bath to coat each fiber
with a specially formulated resin mixture. The coated fibers are assembled by a forming guide and then drawn through a heated die. Resin is cured
by heat in the die and a catalyst in the resin. The resulting high-strength profile is cut to length, ready for use. The process can be visualized
simply as extrusion, but with pulling of raw materials through the die rather than pushing them.
A pultruded composite consists of reinforcing material, a laminating resin that binds the composite together, possibly a surfacing veil to improve the external appearance of the composite, and chemical resistance and/or weather resistance, if necessary. A variety of ancillary materials may be added, such as pigment for color, accelerators to speed the curing of the laminating resin, internal release agents, inert fillers, etc.
For hollow shapes, a mandrel is installed ahead of, or through, the resin tank and the mandrel extends through the forming die section. This process may be combined with an optional in-line winder to add the strength and benefits of the filament winding process to the end product.
Process Technology and Tooling
The most important ingedients in a successful pultrusion operation are the process technology and tooling. These are the key elements to producing quality parts at the best price. Our team has assembled personnel and engineers from the process end of the industry. Ask Entec to quote on all your pultrusion needs - from slitters and mixers to dies and process technology. Entec Composite Machines has over 25 years of pultrusion experience behind it.
Control Systems
Precise speed and pull force control can be monitored by the operator continuously with visual reference of digital set points and operating modes, including die purge cycles. Standard Entec control systems include data reference to machine operation, computer controlled speed generation (closed loop) and data logging. A custom control system can be designed or the upgraded Entec Computrac Control System with data acquisition and trending can be used.
Infeed Module
The creel for continuous rovings generally consists of bookcase-type shelves with ceramic or polyethylene eyes located immediately above the packages. A mat rack is implemented for woven materials.
Resin Impregnation
Impregnation of the fibers can be achieved with an open bath system or an injected die system, as dictated by product and process specifications.
In-Line Winder (Optional)
An in-line winder can be combined with the pultrusion process to add filament winding capability.
Preformers
Custom forming guides are designed for each profile to orient the reinforcements at entry to the die. Entec has built forming guides for products ranging from .02” diameter to 100” wide profiles and complex window profiles.
Die Spreader Station
The die/spreader table centers the die to the process centerline and heats thedie for product curing. Dies may be heated by electrical cartridges, by strip heaters, by hot oil or by steam.
Control Station
Automatic or manual, Entec control systems are state-of-the-art and give the operator precise control of the entire process.
Pulling Section
The pulling section can be either a pair of reciprocating clamp pullers that can be synchronized for a continuous pull, or a single clamp for an intermittent pull. Optionally, a caterpillar puller may be implemented which consists of a pair of continuous belts containing pads which engage the profile.
Flying Cut-Off Saw
A conventional flying cut-off saw is used to accurately section the profile to any length.Typically an abrasive or a continuous rim diamond blade is
used.
With over 10 years of pultrusion experience, Entec provides answers to all your pultrusion needs. Entec's wide range of pultrusion and peripheral equipment offers the operator the opportunity to select a process sytem tailored to fit his needs and budget.
Entec Pultrusion Machines are designed to accomodate all possible composites processing parameters and incorporate the most reliable control and drive components available. Designed for flexibility, our machines are easy to operate and maintain. Product profiles can be changed on the line with minimum downtime. Entec machines provide the most reliable, efficient and cost-effective process systems available. When selecting your equipment and considering the options available in the marketplace today, keep in mind these impressive benefits of Entec equipment:
- Quality Components
- Accuarate Pull Speeds
- Ease of Operation
- Heavy Duty Construction
- Quality Workmanship
- Product Development Assistance
