Aerospace

Bindatex cuts latest 300kg prepreg for composites OEM

Posted 24 January 2020

Composites and advanced materials precision slitting company, Bindatex, announced today that they have cut 300kg of prepreg and started work on their 14th order in two years for a large composites OEM supplying thermosets and thermoplastics.

Courtesy Bindatex

In its latest order, Bindatex are slitting thermoset prepreg composite down to 3.175mm for Automated Fibre Placement (AFP) applications.

The Manchester-based company, which has been cutting composites for over 15 years, are the only company in the UK which can undertake precision slitting to widths as low as 1mm. The narrow width poses a challenge for composite cutting.

Bindatex’s managing director, Chris Lever, said: “Delivering for this composites OEM shows what Bindatex excels in – quick turn arounds, reliable delivery and no job is too small.

“At Bindatex, our team’s expertise and continuous reinvestment in machinery allows for precise, accurate cutting, giving our customers the best result.”

Bindatex’s lead time from order to delivery is up to six weeks, half the time of other larger companies in the sector. It has recently moved to a three shift production.

Bindatex are experts in cutting composite carbon and glass fibre prepreg materials in diverse formats including unidirectional (UD) tapes and traverse wound spools; theromplastic and thermoset carbon fibre prepreg; woven fabrics; multi-axial fabrics and non-woven materials.

The company’s latest machines include an Inline Measuring System which constantly measures the slit width to ensure accuracy as the composite materials are being cut. The other development that ensures the quality of Bindatex’s end product is the Camera Inspection System. This system is constantly inspecting to ensure high quality is delivered day in, day out.

The UK-based company is an approved supplier to major thermoplastic and thermoset manufacturers across the globe. Its customers include world class material manufacturers and end users across composites, aerospace, automotive, marine, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, energy and renewables.

Bindatex have no minimum order size. Working with small developmental orders allows Bindatex’s customers flexibility in their workload.

Chris Lever added: “Our close working relationship with our clients builds trust, ensuring we can provide the best possible service.”