CODEM Composites is a Peterborough-based technology company deeply rooted in the fast-growing market of composites manufacturing. Serving a wide range of sectors such as Formula One, automotive, aerospace, electric vehicles, defence, and bespoke applications, they constantly strive for excellence when working closely with their customers to understand their technical requirements and engineering objectives, translating them into practical solutions.
Forging their success on their team’s expertise, precision, and commitment to quality, they have become a leading provider of advanced composite solutions, offering end-to-end services from initial concept creation to final product delivery with the goal of assisting their customers in the ongoing effort to optimize the performance of their products.
“Our dedicated CNC team promotes efficiency and precision, supported by comprehensive in-house capabilities. From design to tool manufacturing, pattern machining, and final inspection, CODEM offers a seamless and streamlined CNC machining experience. Our advanced scanning capabilities ensure accurate and thorough inspections, delivering exceptional results that meet specific requirements” says Ryan De’ath, CAM & Manufacturing Supervisor.
THE CHALLENGES
In today’s constantly evolving industry, sustainability has become CODEM’s core value, deeply embedded in their corporate culture, leading their efforts to become the best choice for sustainable composite solutions.
Developing environmentally friendly technologies and products, adopting responsible operations, emphasising process optimisation, advanced equipment uses, energy conservation, waste minimisation, and recycling initiatives are among the proactive measures taken to minimize and remove the ecological impact of their business operations and strategies.
In addition to prioritizing the sustainability of their operations, CODEM is now facing an increasingly urgent need to develop the ability to machine complex and detailed patterns and moulds with unprecedented ease.
THE SOLUTION
The collaboration between Belotti and CODEM, dating back to 2014 with the first purchase of a Belotti FLU 2617 machining center, has recently been further consolidated through the acquisition of a second Belotti FLU 2617 5-axis machine.
“CODEM is thrilled to announce the upcoming installation of a second Belotti FLU 2617, scheduled for October. This strategic investment expands CODEM’s technical capabilities and underscores our commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions to meet the evolving needs of our customers. Recently, we secured a multi-year, multi-million-pound NATO satellite communications contract. The purchase of the Belotti FLU 2617 Series is a crucial investment to support this project, enabling us to deliver machined parts and tooling on schedule to meet customer deadlines”, comments Rochelle Helliwell, Business Manager.
The NATO project requires to produce parts made of ROHACELL® and carbon, that will be processed with Belotti FLU 2617 5-axis centers.
CODEM has been also appointed as technological partner of B2Space company to revolutionize the approach to satellite launches.
Precision in the tooling and machining of components in the aerospace sector is critical for the success of B2Space groundbreaking project, as they must withstand the rigors of both balloon flight and rocket launch, ensuring structural integrity and proper functionality throughout the ascent and launch phases.
Also for this project, CODEM will be able to rely on the guaranteed machining precision and reliability of Belotti FLU cnc centres in order to meet the high requirements.
The new Belotti FLU 2617 cnc center set to be installed at CODEM is customized with a Performance head with electrospindle with 15 kW (S1) and 18 kW (S6) power that guarantees a maximum rotation up to 24,000 rpm, and a recirculating cooling system with automatic tool changer device. Furthermore, CODEM decided to equip it with dust suction tanks positioned on the back of the aluminum suction tables and supplied with vacuum distribution channels.
In its gantry-style version featuring a robust structure specifically designed to dampen vibrations, the Belotti FLU Series cnc center provides maximum accessibility and use of the machining envelope, making it the ideal solution for advanced composite materials milling. Additionally, the high-speed processing reduces cycle times while maintaining excellent finish quality.
The machine features the following additional accessories/software:
- 18-position carrousel tool changer
- Oil Mist
- Air blowing system on the tool
- Two vacuum distributors with oil lubricated vacuum pumps
- SDS Measurement Cycle
- Belotti MyB IoT Suite, with Teleservice, Advanced Log, and bMaintenance modules
- Controllo numerico: Siemens One
This new investment highlights CODEM’s dedication to remaining at the forefront of technology in the composites machining industry, enhancing their capabilities and fulfilling their customers’ increasing requirements.
For further information on Belotti machining centers, please contact us via our website contact page.
