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Bigger, hotter and higher pressure composites facility
06 Aug 2008
A 5m by 2m 350ºC high pressure autoclave will allow motorsport and aerospace companies to develop advanced, complex and high quality prototype and production composite components. The autoclave is the centrepiece of a new facilitynew centre, which has been opened by motorsport engineering specialist BERU f1systems.
The autoclave, believed to be one of only a handful in the UK, is ideally suited for developing temperature resistant and low toxicity composites whilst the 200PSi pressure enhances quality even on intricate and complex parts.
“Through our Wire in Composite (WiC) aerospace development programmes and our Factor 001 composite bicycle, we are looking at sophisticated materials that can survive extended periods in high temperatures, together with a separate requirement for exceptional quality,” says managing director John Bailey. “Our new autoclave will help us develop lightweight and durable solutions to increase reliability, product quality or reduce weight.”
Installed in BERU f1systems’ newly constructed Technical Centre in Diss Norfolk, the autoclave is accompanied by a new preparation area with automatic cutting table and walk-in freezer for storing composites. With a significant increase in ongoing composite work, for both wiring looms and their WiC technology, the firm will also retain its existing 2m by 1m autoclave. The larger size autoclave will allow BERU f1systems to manufacture larger units, such as airboxes, aero and chassis tubs.
“Our F1 wiring harnesses are increasing in complexity, requiring more integration with structural parts, ECUs and junction boxes,” continues Bailey. “As usage grows, we must develop derivatives that will allow composites to function for extended periods, often in high temperature or harsh environmental conditions.”
BERU f1systems already supplies high quality composite components to motorsport and OE road programmes. With strong design and engineering expertise in-house, the firm has been able to offer improved weight and performance characteristics, even over existing carbon material products. “Our motorsport heritage drives us to develop the lightest, most durable solution,” concludes Bailey. “We have been able to save weight and cost on existing composite parts by applying our design principles.”
Founded in 1993 and since 2001, a specialist division of BERU AG, BERU f1systems offers advanced design and manufacturing facilities for vehicle wiring harness systems, tyre pressure monitoring, stress measurement and composites. Supplied to world championship winning cars in every major formula and every Formula 1 team, components from BERU f1systems are now available in military, road car, aerospace and nautical applications. In January 2007, BERU f1systems won the prestigious Autosport International Innovation of the show for its Wire in Composite technology.
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