Gerber Technology has partnered with GE AVIATION (Suzhou) to provide a range of automated systems for composite aeronautic components to be used on the Airbus 350 XWB jet airliner. Key in this project is integration of the Virtek LaserEdge® three-dimensional laser templating system for ply layup.
Gerber offers a complete portfolio of automation solutions for the manufacture of composite parts to ensure accuracy, optimize productivity, maximize material utilization and minimize labor requirements. Gerber will provide a series of solutions to GE for the A350 XWB, including a single-layer automatic material supply system, single-layer automatic cutters for pre-impregnated composites, synchronous material receiving systems and operation platforms.
The A350 XWB is Airbus’ new family of wide body aircraft for medium- to long-haul airline operations, and features a 25 percent lower fuel consumption and composite materials accounting for 52 percent of its weight. In the global allocation of A350 XWB production, GE AVIATION will provide the fixed trailing edge (TESS) for the A350 wing. In addition, the Suzhou factory of GE also manufactures fairing and seal plates for the A320.
The Virtek LaserEdge laser templating system is effective in increasing productivity and ensuring accuracy because it eliminates the use of physical templates. These systems are also effective in controlling ply orientation and integrity.
GE has been doing business in China since 1906, and currently six GE business groups have Chinese operations, with a total investment of $1.5 billion US and 12,000 employees. GE AVIATION (Suzhou), established in 2007, manufactures mechanical parts for aircraft and specialty automotive products.
