Advanced Composite Engineering (ACE)

ACE is the Engineering division of Advanced Composites Group (ACG).

ACG, part of Umeco Composites Structural Materials (UCSM) - a division of Umeco plc, is a leading manufacturer of advanced composite carbon and glass fibre reinforced plastic pre-impregnated materials (prepregs) and components. Materials are custom formulated for component, structural and tooling applications in a diverse range of industries. These include aerospace, marine, automotive, construction, alternative energy, defence, general industrial, medical, sports and leisure.

ACG has over 30 years experience in component manufacturing and materials development, with exposure across a wide range of markets. Our unrivalled experience enables us to better understand the precise needs of each individual customer and deliver a high-quality product whatever their particular requirement, large or small.

ACE supplies a range of services from build-to-print component manufacture to a complete package of component design, tooling design, tooling manufacture, prototype manufacture and production component manufacture. With our in-depth understanding of advanced composites technology we are able to offer all of our customers a high-quality, tailored engineering solution to match their requirements.

Key Services

Component Manufacture

Processes:

• Vacuum bag, autoclave and press moulding.
• Epoxy, phenolic, vinyl ester and cyanate ester resins.
• Other specialist processes and resins may also be utilised, on request.

Flexibility:

• We can accommodate part quantities ranging from one-off prototypes to hundreds of parts per year, all manufactured to robust processes and procedures.

Specialist Capabilities:

• Manufacture of both structural and non-structural components, providing detailed process documents and full FAI reports to match customer requirements.
• Manufacture of composite structures for ballistic protection.
• Manufacture of ceramic composites to withstand temperatures of >1000°C.

Tooling Manufacture

Processes:

• Vacuum bag and autoclave moulding.
• Epoxy and bismaleimide resins.
• Other specialist processes and resins may also be utilised, on request.

Flexibility:

• We have the capability to manufacture tooling is sizes ranging up to 14m long and in excess of 40m² surface area.

Specialist Capabilities:

• Manufacture of composite tooling with metallic coated surfaces for improved durability.
• Proprietary techniques enabling us to manufacture moulds to tolerances of ±0.25mm, proven on large tools with complex geometries.
• Design and manufacture of mould tools with high stiffness and low deflection, specifically for use with Automated Fibre Placement (AFP) machines.
• With our portable Leica laser tracker inspection equipment we can scan surfaces in unrivalled detail (our standard resolution is 1 point per centimetre) and provide highly detailed inspection reports. This inspection can be done ‘on-site’ at customers’ facilities.
• Provision of worldwide, ‘on-site’, customer technical support, in conjunction with ACG’s other divisions.
  

Training

We offer comprehensive Training Courses, both theoretical and practical, covering all aspects of composites design and manufacture.

All courses are individually tailored to suit specific customer requirements, with each course divided into ½ day or 1 day blocks.

Theoretical courses can be delivered ‘on-site’ at the customer’s facility if required.

Facilities

• CAD stations: 4 x Catia V5, with STEP and IGES translation
• FEA stations: 2 x Strand 7, 1 x Nastran NX, 1 x Laminate Tools
• Autoclaves: #1 - Ø2.5 x 6.0m, #2 Ø - 1.2 x 3.0m, up to 180°C & 7 bar
• Presses: various, maximum platten size 2.5m x 1.5m, up to 130°C
• Ovens: various, maximum size 13.0m x 3.0m x 2.0m, up to 275°C
• Furnace: 1.2m x 1.0m x 0.5m, up to 1200°C
• 5-axis CNC machine: working area 3.0m x 3.0m x 1.2m
• Co-ordinate Measuring Machine: 6.0m x 1.8m surface table
• Portable Leica laser tracker: maximum range 40m, with probing and scanning capability
• ZUND Kit cutter: 1.8m wide rolling bed with latest Sigmanest software
• Lifting capacity: Forklift - 7 tonnes, Cranes - 10 tonnes
  

Accreditations

• ISO 9001:2008
• AS 9100 Revision B
• ISO/TS 16949:2009