As the project moves forward, there is also advances in the dissemination material. Here you can get the new version of the HELACS’s brochure.
HELACS employs novel robotics to recycle composite materials of large components. The HELACS process is based on the application of high water pressure that will selectively chop the thermoset parts into a dimension suitable for recycling. In addition, the pyrolysis process is used for the carbonization of the thermoset matrix to reuse the carbon fibers that overcome this chemical decomposition.
You can now download the official HELACS project brochure. A project comes to transform the dismantling process of the aircraft of the future. HELACS employs novel robotics to recycle composite materials of large components. The HELACS process is based on the application of high water pressure that will selectively chop the thermoset parts into a dimension suitable for recycling. In addition, the pyrolysis process is used for the carbonization of the thermoset matrix to reuse the carbon fibers that overcome this chemical decomposition.
At the same time, resistive welding technology is used, a process of reprocessing the thermoplastic composite, to detach the panels and reuse them, since they can be re-melted once consolidated.
All of these processes, through the use of intelligent robotics. That is to say for the optimization of the technological processes through the use of intelligent technologies (AGV system, being easily manageable with a dummy tool). The ultimate goal of HELACS is to increase the recyclability of aircraft components by 40% and thus reduce CO2 emissions, moving towards a greener aviation.