Advanced Composite Automation & Manipulation Tooling

Carbon and pitch-fibre EOAT and T-booms: typically 40% lighter and 50% stiffer than steel for faster press transfer.

In automated production lines such as automotive press shops, lightweight panels are transferred between presses by handling frames or T-booms fitted with vacuum cups. These are traditionally made from aluminium or steel. Replacing them with composite structures made with ultra-high modulus pitch carbon fibre significantly shortens transfer time.

Composite structures are typically 40% lighter and 50% stiffer than equivalent steel structures, with a higher natural frequency and more damping. Process speeds can rise by up to 40%, and heavier parts can be handled without moving to a robot with a higher payload.

Frame components and beams are wound from carbon and ultra-high modulus pitch fibres, then pressed for a high-quality surface and corner finish. Standard profiles can include braced corners that take aluminium threaded inserts, so structures assemble with simple bolted connections and no bonding.

End-of-arm tooling (EOAT) for automotive automation:
• Lower payload on 6-axis robots
• Ultra-high modulus composite beam profiles that meet industry standards
• Low-profile sections for smaller press openings