Capabilities

For the last 40 years LamTex Composites has demonstrated that we can consistently produce high quality, specification-compliant products. Our production staff is cross trained and multi-skilled to efficiently produce small, medium or large production jobs and, able us to respond to quick turn around jobs in a timely matter. LamTex Composites has extensive “build to print” experience in a variety of assemblies for defense and military aircraft, rocket propulsion systems, medical devices, and green energy production applications.

  • Processes

    • Mold & Tool Making

      Of all the advantages offered by composite materials, their ability to be molded to complex shapes is perhaps the most popular. When a shape needs to be reproduced numerous times, it is most efficient to build a tool or mold within which the part can be fabricated. Molded parts emerge perfectly shaped every time and require little post-finishing work. LamTex Composites can produce tooling from your drawings using traditional and emerging techniques such as 3d printing, plaster molding, composite molds and metal machining.

    • Wet Layup Composite Fabrication

      The most basic fabrication method for thermoset composites is hand layup, which consists of laying dry fabric layers, or “plies,” or prepreg plies, by hand onto a tool to form a laminate stack. Resin is applied to the dry plies after layup is complete (e.g., by means of resin infusion). In a variation known as wet layup, each ply is coated with resin and “debulked” or compacted after it is placed.

    • Prepreg Layup Composite Fabrication

      Pre-preg is a term used for a composite material that has been “pre-impregnated" with a resin. A prepreg comes with the desired amount for both resin and hardener already impregnated in the fabric. This helps produce consistent parts and takes the worry out of inaccurate measuring, excess resin weight and resin voids in the finished product. The additional step of impregnating a fabric adds increased cost and may double the material cost. Most prepregs require refrigeration or freezing prior to use, adding additional transportation and storage cost.

    • Filament Winding

      Filament winding is a continuous fabrication method that can be highly automated and repeatable, with relatively low material costs. A long, cylindrical tool called a mandrel is suspended horizontally between end supports, while the “head” — the fiber application instrument — moves back and forth along the length of a rotating mandrel, placing fiber onto the tool in a predetermined configuration. LamTex Composites employs computer-controlled filament-winding machines with multi-axes of motion.

    • Vacuum Bag Composite Fabrication

      Vacuum bag moulding uses a flexible film to enclose the part and seal it from outside air. A vacuum is then drawn on the vacuum bag and atmospheric pressure compresses the part during the cure. After sealing the part inside the vacuum bag, a vacuum is drawn on the part (and held) during cure. This process can be performed at either ambient or elevated temperature with ambient atmospheric pressure acting upon the vacuum bag. A vacuum pump is used to draw a vacuum. As a result, uniform pressure approaching one atmosphere is applied to the surfaces of the object inside the bag, holding parts together while the adhesive cures. The entire bag may be placed in a temperature-controlled oven gently heated to accelerate curing.

    • Oven, Press and Autoclave Curing for Composite Fabrication

      Oven Cure The most basic is simply to allow cure to occur at room temperature. Cure can be accelerated, however, by applying heat, typically with an oven, and pressure, by means of a vacuum. Thermal Press Cure Thermal press curing is an alternative process to autoclaving for consolidating and curing thermoset and thermoplastic prepreg composite parts by pressing them between a heated “curing mold” that are engineered to provide uniform temperature and pressure conditions. Autoclave Cure Many high-performance thermoset parts require heat and high consolidation pressure to cure — conditions that require the use of an autoclave, or pressurized oven.

    • Aerospace Paint and Finish Application

      LamTex Composites has decades of experience in applying aerospace finishes including MIL spec primers and paints, rain errosion coatings, anti-static coatings and markings.

    • Assembly

      In most cases, LamTex Composites produces finished parts to our customers. In addition to composite fabrication, we fabricate wire harnesses, vacuum-formed plastic panels, attach hardware and markings, and package according to customer specifications.

  • Equipment

    • Ovens

      • 125x256x182cm 350F
      • 125x61x118cm 600F
      • 91x61x123cm 450F
      • 92x61x93cm 450F

    • Autoclaves

      • 6ft and 4 ft

    • Presses

      • 250 ton 56x71cm platen
      • 200 ton 63x79cm platen
      • 50 ton 47x32cm platen

    • Filament Winding

      • 8ft and 7ft CNC

  • Materials

    • Composite Materials

      • Fiberglass Reinforced Plastics
      • Carbon Fiber
      • Aramid / Kevlar Fiber
      • Quartz Fabric
      • Polyester Resin
      • Vinylester Resin
      • Epoxy Resin
      • Phenolic Resin

    • Rigid Plastic Materials

      • ABS
      • Arylic
      • Kydex

    • Honeycomb Materials

      • Nomex / Aramid Core
      • Fiberglass Core

    • Urethane Materials

      • Adeprene
      • Flame Retardant Polyurethane Foams

  • Build To Print

    • Build to print outsourcing can provide the following benefits:

      • Ramp up and down production to balance your requirements and capacity
      • Increase your efficiency by expanding your production team on a as needed basis
      • Outsourcing solves the need for fluctuations in demand for staff, floor space and new equipment
      • Eliminate the need for you to hire, train and then lay off new employees
      • Decrease lead times to your customer
      • Free up your time to focus on your own specialties
      • Eliminate need to purchase job specific equipment