MATRASUR Composites proposes robotics for new industrial solutions

Citation

(2010), "MATRASUR Composites proposes robotics for new industrial solutions", Industrial Robot, Vol. 37 No. 5. https://doi.org/10.1108/ir.2010.04937eaf.001

MATRASUR Composites proposes robotics for new industrial solutions

Article Type: Mini feature From: Industrial Robot: An International Journal, Volume 37, Issue 5

The potentials offered by the industrialisation of composites through notably robotics are high as they still remain poorly investigated to this date. In France, 3,000 robots are installed by year, against 35,000 in Japan, 18,000 in USA, 12,500 in Germany and 6,500 in Italy.

MATRASUR Composites takes advantage of its 30 years experience and commitment in the composites field in order to develop leading-edge reliable, robotic solutions: handling systems, release agent spray-up, gelcoat spray-up (single or multicolour), barrier-coat spray-up, resin spray-up, chopped lamination, paint spray-up, roll-out, insert positioning, adhesive lay down, PU foam spray-up, trimming, machining, surface grinding and fibre placement.

“Our knowledge of the composite industry enables us to advise our customers in France and worldwide on the process of industrializing and robotizing production to optimize costs”, says Claude Chouet, Sales Manager at MATRASUR Composites.

Profitability is reached in less than three years. Reorganization of the production line provides direct economic benefits such as lower production costs and significantly reduced energy consumption for the ventilation and heating of the workshop surface. Energy costs can be divided by four or sometimes even five. The combination of these factors allows companies to remain competitive or to regain competitiveness against their competitors. Production robotization also brings consistent quality.

Many industry fields are already using MATRASUR Composites’ robotic solutions for composites: yachting, aerospace, sanitary ware, automotive, swimming pools and spas, water treatment, rail, industrial parts and energy industries. “Our knowledge of processes and material definitively remain the key for successful robotic and industrialization projects” says Claude Chouet.

Example of a pool manufacturer

The production of a pool which initially required 35-40 h of labour was reduced to less than 15 h through the industrialization process implemented by MATRASUR Composites.

“Industrialisation of the company’s activity reduced manufacturing times, annual labour costs, raw-material consumption (−12%) and the surface area of the workshop itself, thereby reducing the heated and ventilated surface by 80%”, says Claude Chouet. The energy balance is extremely good.