Aeronaut Automation, a Sydney based manufacturer of computerized cutting tables, had a requirement to produce 10.3 metre wide tables. To allow these tables to run at an efficient speed the table's cross beam needed to be rigid and yet extremely light weight.

Composite Creations was contracted to produce both the required tooling and the beams themselves. All this work was done within Aeronaut's own facilities.

Tooling was produced consisting of a steel frame supported aluminium female mould encased within an insulated enclosure. The enclosure was electrically heated and thermocouple controlled. Tooling set up was completed in less than 6 weeks.

Beams were produced as a monocoque product using a female pressure forming process. Pre-impregnated carbon fibres and paper honeycomb were used in the laminate and then cured at 90 degrees Celsius. The out of mould beams were resin coated and buff polished.
Roller car tracks are then bonded to the top and bottom of the beam using a custom made jig allowing the track to be keep straight within approx 1mm over the beams length.

 The finished beams (10.3 mtrs. x 300 mm. x 220 mm) weigh only 34 kgs.

These light and rigid beams have allowed Aeronaut to produce extremely large format cutting/plotting tables that are both accurate and fast.

Composite Creations continues to produce beams for Aeronaut Automation as required.