Bilsing Automation's Carbon Fiber Tooling Proves its Resiliency
Fire-Resistance Test Video Available for Viewing
Clinton Township, MI, March 11, 2011 -To demonstrate the fire-resistance capability of its line of carbon fiber (CF) tooling for robotic applications, Bilsing Automation North America conducted tests of the material, which have recently been made publicly available for viewing on YouTube at www.youtube.com/bilsingna
CF tooling has proven that its lightweight and durable structure can reduce cycle times by over 20 percent and improve cadence as compared to aluminum and steel tube tooling. "However," says Ben Pauzus, general manager of Bilsing Automation North America, "it has sometimes been falsely criticized as being prone to burning. We developed this video to illustrate how durable and flame-resistant CF tooling is in reality."
The video shows three different flame combinations applied to the CF material - Propane+Air, MAAP+Air, and Acetelyne+Oxygen. Even when reaching temperatures nearing 6000o F, the material extinguishes as soon as the flame source is removed. Pauzus added that in addition to being flame resistant, carbon fiber is very economical, tough and resilient, simple to integrate and readily available.
Potential CF applications include crossbar beams, loading and unloading beams, destacking beams, panel loading t-booms, and tooling supports for bodyshop, pressroom, injection molding and other operations.
Bilsing Automation North America is a subsidiary of Bilsing Automation GmbH (Attendorn, Germany), a global leader in the development and manufacturing of modular tooling systems for the pressroom, body shop and plastic molding applications in the automotive, food, packaging and glass industries. The company is focused on providing optimum product performance that results in cost reductions, supporting the customer through planning, design, engineering, assembly and commissioning. Bilsing Automation also offers 3D digital simulation and on-site training as part of its service offerings.
