Axson Technologies is exhibiting a preview of the only independent heating tool regulated for prepregs outside the autoclave on its stand (F17) at the JEC Europe 2012 exhibition (27-29 March 2012). This tooling, created in co-operation with ENSAM from Lille, produces a vacuum and creates parts as prepregs to be heated outside the autoclave. The heating tool consists of a rigid moulded part in 2092 Axson Technologies epoxy infused carbon or in metal, which provides the part with its geometry, and a flexible heating counter-mould projected in the exact shape of the part in Axson Technologies SVB20 Silicone. The principle of heating the two parts of the mould enables sandwich parts to be created (thermal insulation). The fact that this tooling can operate independently encourages the creation of large moulds, while economising on large dimension autoclaves.

"At present, we are the only company to propose a system which provides integration of the heating and of the vacuum and sealing system. The innovation is seen in the fact that the flexible part of the tool is also heated. This can replace the autoclave and therefore saves a considerable amount of time and energy. This innovation has several applications, in particular in the wind turbine field. Studies for the manufacture of tooling for wind turbine blades are taking place at present" underlined P Blosse Vice-President - Axson Technologies.

The company is also launching a new range of polyurethane adhesives specially designed for gluing composites and plastics intended for industrial use. This new generation of adhesives provides unequalled adhesion of the main composites (in particular the new SMC now available on the market) and plastics (ABS, PC, PMMA, ASA...). In addition it requires only minimal or no surface preparation, thus optimising manufacturing processes and working conditions, in particular as regards health and safety. The final properties (after polymerisation) of these products enables totally different materials to be joined together, by absorbing differences in dilation coefficients while retaining performance characteristics able to ensure the strength of structural assemblies.. This new range can be used on automobile assembly lines, in the wind turbine field for assembling structural parts and in the assembly of pleasure boats (gluing deck to hull).