GKN Aerospace Ltd on The Isle of Wight is able to produce lower cost, large composite components, having adopted a manufacturing process called Resin Film Infusion (RFI). The new RFI process and related technologies is a potential replacement for pre-preg/autoclave composites on major programmes including the Airbus A380 wing.
Three graduates were employed at GKN on Knowledge Transfer Partnerships, supported by expertise from the University of Plymouth’s Advanced Composite Manufacturing Centre (ACMC). Using RFI, two 12m long demonstrator wing spars were produced for mechanical testing, visual inspection and dimensional compliance to design parameters. These demonstrator spars proved to GKN the feasibility of adopting the RFI manufacturing process for the manufacture of large composite components. RFI can remove the need for costly autoclaves (heated
pressure ovens), allowing larger components to be manufactured, at shorter cycle times and reduced material costs.
http://www.gkn.com/en/our-divisions/gkn-aerospace/
Other benefits include:
- Reduced operating costs
- 10% new markets
- 10% new sales
- Increased profits
“Collaboration with experts from the University of Plymouth has enabled GKN Aerospace, in conjunction with its own resources, to make significant technological strides and secure market share that would otherwise not have been possible”
Phil Grainger, Technical Director and Chief Technologist, GKN