INSIDE MANUFACTURING
Step 2
Step 3
The Load Specific Weave (LSW) process
begins as a robotic arm removes the
mandrel from the workpiece shuttle and
feeds it into this Herzog radial braiding
machine. Once the braid is done, robots put
the overbraided mandrel back in the shuttle.
In the RTM workcell, A robotic arm
transfers and precisely locates the braided
carbon sleeve into the left tool cavity of
this female matched metal mold. A special
two-component resin is injected and the
composite tube is cured.
In the Trim cell, a 6-axis robot first removes
the fiberglass mandrel from the leftward end
of a tube.
Step 4
Step 5
Here, a computer-controlled diamond saw
automatically moves into position and trims
the tube to precise dimensions.
The keys to the Shell Node Concept (SNC) are its injection molded short carbon fiberreinforced connector half shells. The carbon fiber compound is fed into a state-of-the-art
injection molding machine, where the interior and exterior of the node half are precisely
monitored and controlled. Here, half shells seated in mold halves show the internal ribbing,
while two half-shells, in the background, show the connector���s exterior.
Step 6
Step 7
Step 8
In preparation for frame assembly, a robot
applies the precisely metered amount of
two-component adhesive appropriate to
each node shell half. The robot is computercontrolled and monitored via digital camera.
The tubes and connectors are then mated
within bonding fixtures, clamped, allowed
to cure ambiently and then postcured at
elevated temperature in an oven.
The finished frame and its corresponding front
fork is measured via coordinate measuring
machine and then static load tested to ensure
that dimensional and strength requirements
have been met.
Source (all step photos): BMC
Step 1
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