Manufacture of propeller composite blades

Dowty Aerospace commenced manufacture of propeller composite blades during the mid 1960s. Initially, such blades were made of glass fibre reinforced resin and developed on hovercraft which operate in severe air/sea conditions. By 1970, the company was producing composite blades for a range of aircraft and air cushion vehicles. These blades incorporate carbon fibre spars, polyurethane foam filling and a glass fibre reinforced resin aerofoil shell covered with a tough polyurethane coating for erosion protection. Further protection is provided by replaceable leading edge strips. Other features include braid type lightning conductors and blade root retention, de-icing operation and safety counterweight advantages. In keeping with the overall manufacturing process, the resin has to be heated in a controlled and precise manner. To facilitate this, Thermosafe Induction Heaters were selected for the heating operation. Energy transfer by an AC magnetic field provides uniform heating without hot spots. The absence of heating elements, and as a result, lack of retained heat, allows for very close temperature control. LMK are the world leaders in design and manufacture of the Thermosafe Induction Drum Heater and Flexible Heating Jackets, supplying more than 70 countries.  We have a wide range of products that are ATEX and IECEx certified, including our Thermosafe and Faratherm induction heaters, and our Inteliheat range of heating jackets. T: +44 (0)1440 707141 E: sales@drumheating.com

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