Keywords
Citation
(2001), "Localised composites repairs with portable hot bonding equipment", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 73 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2001.12773bab.011
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2001, MCB UP Limited
Localised composites repairs with portable hot bonding equipment
Localised composites repairs with portable hot bonding equipment
Keywords Brookhouse Composites, Composites, Repair, Bonding
In line with its on-going policy of continuous investment, Brookhouse Composites Ltd, of Darwen, has introduced a computer-monitored, electrical heating composite repair system to allow effective and rapid localised repair of composite components.
Brookhouse Composites specialises in the manufacture and repair of composite components and has particular expertise in the aerospace industry, in both the military and the civil sectors. It holds JAR-145 approval to carry out maintenance and repair of composite aircraft components and is believed to be the first composite manufacturing company to gain approval for the manufacture of components for use in the aircraft of all 28 countries which belong to the Joint Aviation Authority.
The new Heatcon repair system, which has reportedly been approved by major aircraft manufacturers such as Boeing and Airbus, will complement the company's three existing, in-house autoclaves and four curing ovens, which cater for the majority of composites repair work. It will be used for small repair jobs, which can be carried out on the shop floor.
In operation, a thermal blanket is laid over the composite section to be repaired and a vacuum bag is then laid over the complete assembly. A vacuum is then generated over the repair section, so that this is subjected to a required pressure and heat is applied through the blanket. The degree of vacuum is monitored by vacuum transducers and the temperature by thermocouples. The measurements are transmitted to the system's central processing unit, so that precise control is maintained over the complete curing operation.
Further details are available from Brookhouse. Tel: +44 (0)1254 706000.