Zünd has launched its largest ever cutter in a groundbreaking partnership with Loop Technology.
Zünd’s custom-engineered, largest-ever Q-Line cutter, is designed to work seamlessly with the world’s largest industrial robots, to deliver unmatched cutting capabilities, speed, and accuracy. This will facilitate more efficient cutting of carbon fibre and other composite material for aerospace manufacturing, ultimately helping to meet the significant growing demand for lighter commercial aircraft and support the aviation industry’s net zero targets.
Zünd are known for their precision cutting systems, that deliver speed and adaptability across many industries. This makes them a perfect partner for Loop Technology who excel in developing automation systems that enhance efficiency and accuracy in advanced manufacturing.
Zünd CEO Oliver Zünd said, “Collaborating with Loop Technology is a natural progression for us. Our cutting systems push the limits of precision, and integrating with Loop Technology’s FibreLINE system will drive advancements in composite manufacturing that benefit the aerospace sector.”
Zund’s Q Line Cutter with Loop Technology’s FibreLINE
The integration of Zünd’s biggest cutter ever with Loop Technology’s FibreLINE system marks a transformative step forward in composite aerostructure production. FibreLINE is an end-to-end automated preforming system that revolutionizes the manufacture of composite structures, delivering a step change in production rates compared to AFP/ATP and traditional methods. It targets high precision and deposition rates in excess of 200Kg/hr, presenting vast opportunities for manufacturers looking for smaller factory footprints and significant downstream assembly benefits via high rate applications. The modular adaptation of the Q-Line cutter with Loop Technology’s FibreLINE system offers a future-proof, scalable solution that meets the increasing demands in aerospace.
The proven reliability and longevity of Zünd equipment are key reasons for this partnership. Alun Reece, Managing Director at Loop Technology, described the partnership as trailblazing for the industry:
“This tailored solution is designed to deliver faster cutting speeds whilst significantly reducing the potential for stray fibers, which is a common challenge in composite manufacturing. The result is higher accuracy in ply cutting and more precise preforms, which are critical for the integrity and performance of aerostructures.”
Innovation in Aerospace Manufacturing
Zund UK worked closely with Loop Technology to develop a modular solution derived from the Q-Line, adaptable to customer needs and incorporating cutting-edge technology for aerospace manufacturing. FibreLINE is set to be installed at the University of Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre. As aerospace manufacturers increasingly turn to composites due to their strength-to-weight ratio benefits, the demand for advanced and efficient manufacturing solutions continues to grow. The collaboration between Zünd and Loop Technology is integrated with research and development programs involving major OEMs and other suppliers to combine digital cutting technology with automation. This collaboration aims to boost productivity and tackle industry challenges head-on and contribute to the overall sustainability of the aerospace sector.
Nicki Kay, Managing Director at Zund UK, said: “At Zünd, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in manufacturing. This partnership is just the beginning. We are excited to explore new possibilities and continue to innovate in ways that will benefit not only the aerospace industry but all sectors that rely on advanced composite materials”.