Composite veteran

UD Automated B.V. (UDA) is the newest venture of Dutch composite veteran Rinus Prins and partners, located in IJsselmuiden, Netherlands. UDA has developed new innovative technology delivering excellent spreading of fibres as well as impregnation. The process is robust without unforeseen stops, delivering an economic tape solution without compromising quality.

New innovative technology

The UDA production method is based on a direct melt impregnation technique, where the polymer is fed to the impregnation unit by an extruder, fully capable of formulating a wide variety of polymer blend and compounds. The fibres, before meeting the polymer melt, are spread with a new controlled high tension method. The impregnation method is unique and forms the heart of the new technology.

Advantages of thermoplastic vs. thermoset composite tape

Recyclability: Thermoplastics can be melted and reformed multiple times without undergoing significant degradation in their mechanical properties. This recyclability reduces waste and promotes sustainability in construction projects. In contrast, thermosets undergo irreversible curing, making them non-recyclable.

Ease of Processing: Thermoplastics are typically easier to process and shape due to their ability to soften and harden repeatedly with temperature changes. This makes them suitable for various construction techniques, such as injection molding, extrusion, and 3D printing. Thermosets require complex curing processes that are often harder to control.

 Repair and Maintenance: Thermoplastic materials are generally more repairable than thermosets. In case of damage or wear, thermoplastics can often be heated and reshaped or welded back together, extending their lifespan and reducing replacement costs. Thermosets, once cured, cannot be easily repaired in the same way.

 Durability and Resistance: Some thermoplastics, such as PVC, PE, and PP, offer excellent resistance to chemicals, UV radiation, and environmental factors. This durability is particularly advantageous in outdoor construction applications where exposure to harsh conditions is common. Thermosets may not always possess the same level of resistance.

 Cost-Effectiveness: Thermoplastics are often more cost-effective than thermosets due to their easier processing and recyclability. They can also be manufactured in large quantities, reducing material costs for construction projects.

 Weight Savings: Thermoplastics are generally lighter than many thermoset materials, making them suitable for applications where weight reduction is critical, such as in aerospace or transportation-related construction.

 Design Flexibility: Thermoplastics offer designers more flexibility in creating complexshapes and structures due to their moldability and ease of fabrication. This flexibility allows for innovative and customized construction solutions.

 Fast Installation: Some thermoplastic construction materials, like PVC pipes or HDPE sheets, are known for their quick and easy installation processes, which can save time and labor costs compared to alternative materials.

 Low Maintenance: Thermoplastic materials often require minimal maintenance over their lifecycle, reducing ongoing operational costs compared to materials that deteriorate or require frequent upkeep.

 Environmental Considerations: Many thermoplastics are considered more environmentally friendly than thermosets due to their recyclability and reduced energy consumption during processing.

 It’s important to note that the choice between thermoplastic and thermoset materials in construction depends on specific project requirements, as each material has its own set of advantages and limitations. Careful consideration of factors like intended use, environmental conditions, cost, and design requirements is crucial when selecting the most appropriate material for a construction project.

Cost reduction and mass production

Thermoplastics allow for a much faster line speeds compared to thermosets, UDA’s new impregnation technology allows for even greater productivity not compromising quality. UDA is building its first production machine currently, delivering 300 mm wide tape. The technology allows for future doubling or quadrupling of tape width, while maintaining quality. UDA’s new technology delivers the ultimate cost efficiency while maintaining quality.

EPATII™ CPVC TAPE is a UD carbon reinforced, thermoplastic based, composite material, produced using UDA’s proprietary technology, delivering optimal fiber impregnation. EPATII™ CPVC TAPE is compatible with PVC and can be used to locally strengthen PVC profiles and lift overall performance to a level of aluminium at half the weight .

EPATII™ CPA TAPE is a UD carbon reinforced PA6 based composite material, produced using UDA’s proprietary technology, delivering optimal fibre impregnation. EPATII™ CPA can be used in winding applications for hydrogen tanks, amongst other applications.

UDA’s process shows great flexibility in the use of fibre and thermoplastic. Feel free to contact us to tailor EPATII™ tape to your needs.

UD Automated uses an innovative new proprietary direct melt process. This process is very robust, flexible and fast, without the usual impregnation flaws. As a result EPATII™ Tape is cost competitive without compromising properties.

EPATII™ Tape is produced on a 120 mm weight and can be slit to a desire width by specialized companies, such as this example.

Energy

Storing liquids and gases under pressure, traditionally happens in metal tanks. Converting to wound composite tanks, not only has weight advantages or corrosion benefits, it is also the safer solution. Failure of composite pressurized tanks is far less catastrophic as the metal solution, reducing the risk of explosions as well as injury due shrapnel, to a minimum. EPATIÏ™ carbon based tape offers the possibility to store gases at high pressure including hydrogen.

Metal on-shore and off shore pipe, to transport oils and gases are expensive to install and expensive to maintain. The maximum length is defined by the truck transporting the pipe, creating a labor intensive installation and the need for for many connectors, with the corresponding increased risk of leaks. Composite pipe, produced by winding EPATII™ tape around a thermoplastic liner, offers an easy to install and low maintenance alternative. In addition, composite pipes based on EPATII™ Tape are often spoolable, allowing long lengths to be installed with a minimum number of connectors. In addition to the installation advantages, corrosion resistance is another big advantage of composite pipe solutions over metal. Over a 10y service, EPATII™ Tape based composite pipe systems offer a 33% cost saving over traditional steel.