Filament WindingS.A. Composites offers a wide range of different filament wound tubing sizes with varied mechanical properties of filament windings and resins to fit any projects' requirements.
Pressure VesselsFilament wound composite pressure vessels are designed for the storage of pressurized gasses. They are lighter and stronger than metal tanks.
Carbon Fiber Robotic ManipulatorsS.A. Composites' robotic application of filament wound composites is extensive because of the company's work with S.A.Robotics in developing long-reach carbon fiber manipulators.
Filament winding is one of S.A. Composites specialties. One example of SAC's experience producing filament wound tubing involves its relationship with S.A.Robotics, a company that has pushed the limits of the for long reach manipulator arms. SAC's smaller filament winder is a McClean Anderson, which can wind composite structures up to 3 feet in diameter and 12 feet long. In addition, SAC has a CNC Techniques 4-axis winder that is capable of winding composite parts up to 6 feet in diameter and 30 feet long. Each filament winder utilizes a very accurate, Sahm high-tension fiber delivery system for filament winding that can tension up to 24 spools of fiber to 10 pounds of tension, allowing the use of fibers from very light (1k tow) carbon to very heavy (80k tow) carbon. SAC has a large inventory of mandrels capable of producing a wide range of filament wound parts, and the company has the capability to design and build custom mandrels to meet customer requirements.
Composite pressure vessels and storage tanks are another great example of how S.A. Composites is a leader in engineering filament wound components. These pressure vessels are designed for the storage of pressurized gasses. They can be valuable tools because of their lightweight and durable design in comparison to conventional metal tanks. Composite pressure vessels are engineered to provide customers with the strength and reliability that are required for firefighting and vehicle fuel storage. SAC is able to make composite tanks with different alloy metals and thermoplastic liners to fit any requirements for the storage of pressurized gases. The company can also make composite pressure vessels in all shapes and sizes up to 6 feet in diameter and 30 feet long.
The robotic application of filament wound composites is one of S.A. Composites' areas of expertise. The company has engaged in extensive work with S.A.Robotics to develop long-reach carbon fiber manipulators. The demanding applications and performance characteristics required for robotic and automation systems push the limits of conventional materials. Steel and aluminum have traditionally been the staple materials used in robotic structures. However, robotic arms made from these materials can be heavy, requiring a bulky structure to limit member deflection. Unwanted byproducts of a heavy, bulky robot are limited speed, large servo motors, and high power consumption. Composite materials offer an alternative, which can reduce weight, limit deflection, and allow for the use of smaller motors that require less power. SAC's ability to make customized sizes and end-fitting configurations ensures that these carbon fiber driveshaft's work at the highest levels of performance.