Goodrich installs third Ingersoll fiber placement machine

Ingersoll Machine Tools' Mongoose fiber placement machine. (Source: Ingersoll)

Ingersoll Machine Tools Inc. (Rockford, Ill., USA) announced on Dec. 13 that Goodrich has completed pre-acceptance of an Ingersoll Mongoose automated fiber placement (AFP) system. This is the third AFP machine from Ingersoll for Goodrich’s Aerostructures business. The equipment will be installed at the Goodrich facility in Riverside, Calif., USA, and used for the production of engine nacelle components for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and the Airbus A350 XWB programs. Goodrich holds contracts to provide the nacelle systems for both twin-engine airplanes.

The new machine features the latest generation of the Mongoose family of fiber placement machines. Ingersoll says a simplified and direct material path from the creel to the point of deposition reduces stress on the material, avoids twisting and roping, improves productivity and decreases the time needed for machine maintenance.

Like the prior two machines purchased by Goodrich, the new Mongoose is a gantry vertical machine that is capable of layup on stationary female molds. The Mongoose uses a new post-processor for optimal machine motion. Efficient off-part motion and accurate head repositioning significantly improve overall productivity of the machine. The addition of the Mongoose will enable Goodrich to meet current and ramp-up production rates for the two new commercial aircraft.