The Automated Composites Laboratory
The Automated Composites Laboratory within
Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering at UNSW
Australia allows students, academics and industry
partners to solve real-world engineering challenges.
Australia is already considered a global leader in the field
of composites research. With its leading academics and
some of the most advanced equipment available in any
educational organisation, UNSW is helping to develop
essential fabrication capabilities across Australia and the
Asia-Pacific region.
Composite Manufacturing Robot
This state-of-the-art Automated Fibre Placement (AFP) robot is the centrepiece of the Automated Composites Laboratory, and allows for the integration of computeraided design, analysis and manufacture of composite components. The AFP facility features a coordinated multi-axis robot and spindle system for maximum control over fibre trajectories and part geometry.Specifications:
- 6 axis robot platform with coordinated spindle
- 4 tow thermoset prepreg processing head
- High-temperature thermoplastic placement head
- Part processing up to ~4m
- Integrated software for CATIA and Solidworks
- A range of flat and revolute tooling
Instron 8804 Axial Servohydraulic Machine
Features a high-stiffness 4 column frame for testing up to 500kN. It can be used for static and fatigue testing of metals, composites and a large range of applications.Instron CEAST 9350 Drop Tower Impactor
High-energy and high-velocity impact testing machine up to 1800J and/or 24m/s. Caters for a range of impact specimen types in a thermally controlled environment (-70 to 150°C).Instron 8852 Biaxial servohydraulic testing system
This +/- 100 kN +/- 1000 N.m Axial-Torsion actuator unit comprises of both linear and rotary actuator assemblies. The two are separated by a coupling mechanism enabling high speed, low friction torque and linear transmission.
ASC Econoclave
High Frequency Fatigue Test Machine
Compact tabletop servohydraulic dynamic material testing system that can achieve +/-25 kN force capacity and >100 Hz cyclic test frequencies (at lower forces).Hydraulic Multiaxial Test Bed
Our lab strengths
+ Australia’s only Automated Fibre Placement (AFP) facility
+ Aerospace-grade processing capability
+ Structural testing of large components with complex loading capability
+ Material characterisation, design, analysis, lay-up, curing and testing under one roof
+ Ready to partner with industry for applied research opportunities