CCP Gransden invests in Engel tech as it develops composites manufacturing

A Northern Ireland-based specialist composites and thermoplastics manufacturer has invested in machinery and equipment from Engel as it looks to develop and advance.

CCP Gransden, which operates in the aerospace, automotive and defence sectors amongst others, has invested in an Engel v-duo vertical machine for the production of precise fibre composite applications as the business evolves from industrial composites manufacturing towards more advanced composite engineering.

“The Engel Press stands out as being the highest quality product on offer in what is a competitive and growing market. In particular, Engel because of their background, make machines, which are more aligned to injection moulding machine quality than traditional press quality, making them a much higher standard than others available in the market,” commented Robert McConnell, Engineering Director at CCP Gransden.

The company identified key technologies it wanted to integrate into its new ‘Advanced Composites Division’, which include faster-curing thermoplastic composites. Following a visit to Engel’s Lightweight Technologies Centre in Austria, the Engel v-duo was recognised for its ability to manufacture lightweight, high strength parts.

The Engel v-Duo is a vertical, large-scale machine. A highly sensitive powerhouse, it is said to deliver extremely precise results, especially with fibre composite applications and high cavity pressure processes. It utilises gravity and therefore facilitates, for example, inserting reinforcing elements such as organic sheets or tapes. 

 “We were very keen to provide a solution for what is clearly a very exciting and challenging project. CCP Gransden visited our Lightweight Technologies Centre in Austria and together we concluded that their operation would benefit from the large vertical v-duo 1100, combined with a smaller injection unit,” explained Graeme Herlihy, Managing Director at Engel UK.

“These machines have formed the foundation of the new cell, together with the integration of a high temperature oven, high pressure RTM unit and the addition of a 6-axis robot.”

McConnell added: “Such high levels of control and automation are not the norm for compression moulding presses. Engel’s ability to assist in the development, integration and operation of a complete manufacturing cell was also a key consideration. In fact, the ability to future proof aspects of the machinery, to revisit and add equipment in the future, was really important to us. CCP Gransden aim to offer a flexible, integrated and high quality manufacturing solution.”

Going forward, CCP Gransden plans to carry out further development of the cell to maximise its integration. “Even at this early stage in our progression, it is clear that this will be particularly applicable to automotive, aerospace and defence related manufacturing. Its high levels of control, data recording and quality engineering distinguish this cell from other capabilities currently available,” McConnell concluded.