Compositadour (Bayonne, FR) is a French technological platform specializing in advanced manufacturing: composites, robotics and additive manufacturing. They provide a true platform for experimentation using digital and robotic technologies for the Factory of the Future. Compositadour offers cutting-edge equipment and mobilizes its network of skills to validate and experiment with innovative processes for companies of all sizes.
“We are excited to support Compositadour’s efforts in expanding advanced manufacturing in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region" - Pravin Luthada, CEO Addcomposites
Compositadour has been working with a vision to expand the implementation of advanced composites manufacturing beyond the aerospace sector and into other industries, such as urban mobility, marine, sports, etc. The majority of these non-aerospace industries do not have the resources required to access the same cutting-edge technology that is used to advance the manufacturing and research being performed at the aerospace level. In order to increase the access to advanced composites manufacturing to the wider industry, Addcomposites’ plug-n-produce platform, the AFP-XS, is now in operation at Compositadour. Pravin Luthada, CEO and Co-Founder of Addcomposites says, “We are excited to support Compositadour’s efforts in expanding advanced manufacturing in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region by providing an economical alternative for AFP manufacturing to local SMEs. This really aligns with our vision of enabling advanced manufacturing of composite structures to companies of all sizes, and we are positive this partnership will lead to the step-change needed to bring the lightweighting revolution to everyday products.”
"High quality, easy to use, repeatable system" - Françis Sedeilhan, Director Compositadour
The AFP-XS system was installed in a preexisting cell on an active robot. The robot is used for ongoing projects, and so it was imperative to have an interchangeable device, using their existing safety protocols. Working in collaboration with Compositadour has resulted in a successful integration, and we couldn’t be more excited to see the customers they are able to help by using the AFP-XS. Françis Seidelhan, Director of Compositadour, says, “The AFP-XS is a high quality, easy to use, repeatable system that quickly swaps over from a standard thermoset system to handle dry fibers and thermoplastics, seamlessly integrating with the humm3. This technology will enable us to further develop the fiber placement research and local SME activity at Compositadour, and we are excited to collaborate with Addcomposites on future projects.” This system was designed primarily for thermoset handling using an IR heater, but can also be used in conjunction with the humm3® heating technology from Heraeus Noblelight for running dry fiber and high temperature thermoplastic tapes. Peter Lascelles, Senior Sales Manager for Heraeus Noblelight commented, “We are delighted to be able to contribute to the development of the new ‘plug-n-produce’ platform the AFP-XS whilst offering accessibility of this innovative technology to the wider composites manufacturing industry.”
Pravin adds, “The humm3® has proved itself to be an excellent heating technology for fast and controllable fiber lay-up. The combination of high average power, fast control and small physical volume makes it an ideal addition for placing fibers requiring high heat to activate the matrix. As a diffuse, broadband source of energy, the humm3® is also safe to use (no laser safety enclosure is required) and is easily scaled to different heated widths.”
Comments