Jun. 13, 2022
FRP/GRP pipe filament winding is probably the most concise and clear name for any machine process. Traditionally used to produce cylindrical and spherical products, such as chemical and fuel storage tanks and pipes, pressure vessels and rocket motor casings. The advent of computer technology has expanded its shaping capabilities, allowing it to be used for products such as airframes, helmets, drive shafts, and more.
The simplest winding machines have two axes of motion, mandrel rotation and slide travel (usually horizontal). Two-axis machines are best suited for manufacturing pipes only. For pressure vessels such as LPG or CNG vessels (for example), four-axis winding machines are usually equipped. Four-axis machines also have a radial (cross-feed) axis perpendicular to the carriage travel and a rotating fiber payoff head mounted on the cross-feed axis. The payoff head rotation can be used to stop the twisting of the fiber tape, thus stopping the width change during winding.
Machines with more than 4 axes are available for advanced applications. Six-axis winders typically have 3 linear axes and 3 rotary axes. Machines with more than 2 axes of motion have computer/CNC control, but most of the newer 2-axis machines now have digital control. Computer controlled winding machines require software to generate the winding pattern and machine path, which can often be provided by the winding machine manufacturer.
Fiber winding is one of the few automated processes for composite manufacturing, so it can produce highly repeatable, high-quality components with reduced labor. It is a fast and reliable technique for manufacturing high-performance parts. A major advantage of filament winding is that it uses continuous fibers, which gives the material excellent strength and stiffness. It is also possible to orient the fibers for "optimized" composites. With high fiber volume fractions of 60-80% possible, it is possible to use the simplest (lowest cost) form of material - fiber roving and resin winding that is accurate, repeatable and provides a high quality inner surface.
All fiber types can be used: E glass, S glass, R glass, high strength and high modulus carbon fibers, aramid (Kevlar), HD polyethylene, basalt fibers, etc.
A variety of matrix (resin) groups can be used: polyester (versatile), vinyl ester (improved strength and impact/chemical resistance), epoxy resin (high strength and high temperature capability), phenolic (better fire resistance/low smoke), etc.
FRP storage tank winding equipment
Filament winding is a process of loading a high degree of fiber to take advantage of the high tension in the manufacture of hollow, usually cylindrical products. The process provides laminates with high strength-to-weight ratios and offers a high degree of control over uniformity and fiber orientation. Currently, low-cost fiber winding machines are designed and developed for the manufacture of FRP tubes and cylindrical specimens. The concept of an engine lathe supported by the wet winding method was used in the development of the fiber winding machine.
WANXIN is an excellent supplier of FRP products. Besides winding machines, we also have FRP pipes, FRP storage tanks, FRP cables and FRP fittings for sale, so if you want to buy them, please contact us to get a quotation. We can manufacture customized non-standard FRP products according to customers needs.
