Coexpair, composites Expertise for Aircraft

Coexpair is a Belgian company active in the aeronautical sector since 2006.

Our strategy is based on an original business model. It offers services to support its customers in the development of new applications in composite materials. This includes the manufacture of first part prototypes (no serial production). Once the research is complete, Coexpair extends its offer to the assembly of production equipment needed for RTM industrialization. On a general way, Coexpair is supporting its customers from the idea that sprouts in their design office up to the installation of their workshop.

Today Coexpair is a recognized partner of the largest OEM and Tier-1 suppliers in the sector. Several European companies have become regular customers, including Airbus and Safran groups. Our company is a unique place in Europe to develop and to transfer advanced composite manufacturing technologies.

PRODUCTION
WORKSTATION

Coexpair designs and builds RTM workstations including clamping & heating systems, injection systems and tool handling devices. Automation of High Performance RTM process for aerospace is our job. The partnership with Radius Engineering ensures our Customers the same high quality & reliable equipment worldwide.

Injection Systems

  • Designed to inject single component or pre-mixed multi-component resin systems
  • Piston actuated by an electric stepper motor
  • Heater capable of achieving temperatures up to 290°C (550°F)
  • Equipped with a complete data acquisition system
  • Able to operate either in a stand-alone mode or integrated with FlowareTM software controlled by PC
  • Parameters can easily be defined by the user prior to each injection
  • The only production proven & capable SQRTM injection
  • system on the market

Clamping & Heating Systems

  • Specifically designed for RTM and SQRTM processes
  • Uniform clamping force through pneumatic hoses
  • Rapid heating by electric platens providing a clean and safe operational environment (no risk of oil contamination)
  • Control system creates a workstation to monitor and to control the heating zones, as well as the clamping pressure
  • Data acquisition and interface to a computer network are included
  • Included handling equipment for transferring molds into or out of a clamping system
  • Can optionally be fitted with equipment for opening and closing molds
  • Low maintenance required
Screenmachine

MOLD
& TOOLS

RTM mold quality is critical for part production success. Customers can count on a team of specialized engineers to design and to machine their molds. FEA allows study of thermal transfer, mold deformation and tool closure kinematics.

Molds are generally aluminum or steel and are designed to be used in combination with a self-clamping system. Equipped with more than 50 CNC-machines, our qualified shops have the capacity to produce molds of complex geometry up to more than 10 meters long. Our network offers the right balance of quality, lead time and budget.

Final fitting is done internally before surface treatment is completed to ensure tool durability.

Mold & tools

Training

Coexpair offers an intensive introduction course of RTM for Aerospace. Course covers the process, the design, the materials and the equipment commonly used.

PART & PROCESS
DEVELOPMENT

Net-shape composites are an opportunity to improve performance: lower weight, lower cost, shorter manufacturing cycle. We support you by engineering for optimal performance. The position of the office inside the workshop gives the designer a great opportunity to combine 3D models and hands-on trials.

Design and Analysis

Our skilled engineers are mastering Samcef & Nastran FEA. They are distinguished by their hands-on experience of manufacturing RTM parts themselves. Their engineering approach is built on understanding the key process elements that impact mechanical performances. Allowables generation including test campaign definition is also part of their job.

Analysis screen

Materials & Processes

The selection of material and the set-up of process parameters are the heart of our engineering services. Manufacturing of flat panels for coupons is a common task. More complex tools are also used to validate the mechanical performances at higher level (sub-element level).

Our shop is the right place for our customers to manufacture their first full scale parts using RTM state-of-the-art industrial equipment (mold and workstation).

Processes Analysis