Loop
Lace
MaterialsAutomated manufacturing of high-performance composites
Spherecube works with companies that need automated manufacturing of high-performance composites, for parts that are lighter, stiffer and more repeatable. Often the part is the one everyone already considers at its limit. LOOP is the Spherecube additive manufacturing system for composite materials and the evolution of AFP. Automated deposition of a pre-impregnated continuous-fibre tape follows the loads of the part, on up to 6 axes, on a tilting table or a rotary mandrel. Typical starting points are carbon fibre drone arms, lightweight aerospace brackets and composite parts for robotics. The same approach suits curved or closed parts that are machined from solid or laid up by hand today.
Hover a component to read its story, click it to open the case study.
Aerospace & defence
From metal to composite
A 7075 aluminium structural bracket, redesigned in continuous carbon fibre with LACE and produced with LOOP, with co-cured metal inserts in the holes. The aim was to replace aluminium with carbon fibre. Cured under pressure, the carbon/epoxy bracket weighs 93% less and costs 50% less and it still meets the required performance.
SportsCarbon fibre running shoe plate
Redesign of a continuous carbon fibre plate for running shoes, optimised with LACE and produced with LOOP.
BiomedicalCarbon fibre AFO
A continuous carbon fibre ankle-foot orthosis (AFO), designed with LACE and produced with LOOP in an automated, repeatable process.
Open the case study →Automated manufacturing for your next part in high-performance composites
Send us a drawing or a 3D model. In 10 working days we'll show you what it looks like in continuous fibre. The feasibility study covers fibre layout, expected weight and the path to automated composite manufacturing, compared with your current metal or hand-laid part. LACE prepares the program for LOOP, on up to 6 axes and we impregnate the towpreg ourselves on LOOM. We work with carbon, glass, quartz, aramid, flax and hemp and with thermoset resins that include bio-based and flame-retardant grades. We serve aerospace, space, defence, drones and UAVs, automotive and e-mobility, robotics, industrial machinery, energy, marine, rail and biomedical. Have a part to lighten?
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