Getting the Training you need for Composite Repairs

Posted on April 23, 2013 by admin

Repairing an aircraft that is manufactured with composites can be difficult. Some small repair shops may not be as well-versed in composite repair as some large maintenance organizations are, but advanced composites aren’t only used in a larger aircraft. A smaller aircraft and its components can also be manufactured with composite materials, so being able to repair them is of utmost importance regardless of the size of your business. Buying the equipment you need to repair composites is only the first step. It’s important to have the knowledge, skills, and hands-on training to be able to complete these complicated repairs accurately.

When repairing a composite, it’s important to know that much of the damage may not be visible from the outside. When performing a “tap test,” and tapping a coin on the surface of the composite and listening for a void, you can find the exact area where the composite is damaged.

You then have to cut out a portion of the composite and perform a scarf repair, sanding outward so that you can clearly see how the materials are layered. It’s imperative to learn exactly how the composite was originally constructed, or you will be unable to repair it. Only then can you replace the material and repair the damage.

Reading up on composite repair is great, but there is no substitution for hands-on training and experience. Companies like ACT (Advanced Composites Training) and ABARIS TRAINING offer a multitude of composite training classes for students from a variety of sectors. With the knowledge and hands-on training afforded by attending classes, along with the necessary tools, you can assure that you will be able to complete composite repairs accurately and effectively.

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Why customization matters when it comes to heating blankets

Posted on March 22, 2013 by admin

When it comes to composite curing applications, they often require blankets that can resist chemicals, moisture, and abusive treatment. They need to heat-up gradually and maintain steady temperature maintenance and uniform heat distribution.

In all areas of manufacturing, products often need to be produced to meet certain specifications — because not all projects are created equal.  The difference between purchasing products that come in limited sizes and specifications versus buying custom made is phenomenal.  In fact, whether you’re a consumer, a retailer, or a manufacturer, sometimes custom-made is crucial.

The same holds true for hot bond composite repair systems and their accessories.  All needs and applications are not the same.  And when you’re in need of a silicon heating blanket, being able to purchase one custom designed and engineered to your exact specifications can be of great benefit.

We realize many of you have size and shape requirements that go beyond basic.  While we stock basic, commonly-ordered sizes of our high-quality silicone rubber heating blankets from 6×6 inches through 18×18 inches, we can also make round blankets, blankets smaller or larger than the in-stock products, and even shaded blankets, where the heat is applied more to one specific area, rather than another (often necessary when performing cures in areas where heat sinking my occur).  Custom-molded radome blankets are also available for those in the aircraft industry.

You deserve custom work for your composite repair– so think about it the next time you need blankets for a project.

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WichiTech Goes to Europe

Posted on February 28, 2013 by admin

What our long-term customers have come to know is that at WichiTech, we design and manufacture the highest quality Hot Bonding Composite Repair Systems at an incredible value, and have been doing so for years.  What our European customers will be happy to learn is that they can now get them even faster and for less money than in the past.  We are very excited to announce our new partnership with Aerotecs nv, located in Lummen, Belgium, which will be our center for European distribution and recalibration.

Through this distribution agreement, Aerotecs nv will be Europe’s place to buy WichiTech’s Hot Bonder Composite Repair Systems, blankets, and all accessories. In addition, they will be providing warranty and non-warranty repair work.  What this means is that you no longer have to send the products back to the U.S, thus providing a much faster turnaround and lower shipping costs and customs fees.  We will be providing full training for operating our equipment, both at Aerotecs’ location and yours.

Aerotecs nv has a long history in Belgium of being a full-service provider of other aviation ground support equipment. So you can remain confident that we are dealing with a company that is as reputable and experienced as ours.

For private, military, corporate, or commercial aircraft, and companies large and small, you’ve trusted in our Composite Repair Systems for years, and now it’s that much easier for you to enjoy their quality.  We look forward to this mutually-beneficial partnership, and to continuing to bring the best to our customers in Europe.

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WichiTech Loves Bonding With Clients at Trade Shows!

Posted on January 10, 2013 by admin

In the B2B world, sometimes it’s difficult to remember that when it comes down to the nuts and bolts of doing business with other businesses, there are people driving everything we do. People design and engineer new technology, make decisions to buy, and collaborate to create solutions that work for their businesses and industries.

In 2013, business is conducted either over the Internet or on the phone in most cases. While the online world certainly does make things a lot easier, nothing can compare to the advantages of doing business face-to-face with clients. That’s why WichiTech Industries attends trade shows each year. We believe there are many advantages for us, and for our clients in attending these shows:

  • We get to know the people behind RFQs and orders.
  • We receive helpful feedback in a face-to-face setting.
  • We meet new people and get to hear their ideas and plans.
  • We stay on top of the technology trends and changes in our industry.
  • We’re able to offer hands-on demonstrations of our composite repair equipment.

At the recent SAMPE (Society for the Advancement of Material and Process Engineering) show in Charleston, South Carolina, we were able to display all of WichiTech’s composite repair equipment. Customers loved seeing our HB1008 — the smallest bonder in the business that is capable of handling the same jobs as much larger equipment.

We’re heading to Atlanta in April for the MRO Americas Aviation Week. Hopefully, we’ll see you there! But, in the meantime, stay tuned to our blog for more updates and information about our company, our products, and the people here at WichiTech Industries.

If we haven’t met already, we look forward to meeting you in person. Give us a call at 800-776-4277 to set up a time to get together in the near future – or at the next trade show!

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Diagnose Equipment Issues Fast With the RD3 Hammer at WichiTech

Posted on December 17, 2012 by admin

WichiTech has a cost-effective solution to detect voids, degradation, and delamination in composite structures. Our RD3 (Rapid Damage Detection Device) provides non-destructive testing for products with damage not visibly showing from the outside, but possibly containing damage to the core. Our device provides results that are accurate, easy-to-use, and essential to routine non-destructive testing.

You’re testing results will no longer be questionable. Our handheld device provides a numerical readout that clearly shows if there is delamination in the structure. If there is core damage, there could be condensation damage that you can’t see, thus causing the materials to crush.

Most mechanics perform a TAP test to listen for signs of damage by tapping on the surface of the material to listen for certain sounds in different areas. When using the RD3, testing can be done the same way – except easier! When performing testing using our handheld device, if the numbers start to increase, then you know there’s a problem with the composite materials.

When working in a repair facility, there’s lots of noise surrounding you. That’s why with the RD3 hammer, you don’t have to hear it – just read it!

At WichiTech, we get tons of questions each day regarding the functionality of composite structures. Now, you can answer your own questions and get results fast! Please read the products and services page on our website for an in-depth explanation of the RD3. And feel free to email our sales team at WichiTech@WichiTech.com for more details!

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Wichitech Means High Performance

Posted on November 29, 2012 by admin

When it comes to composite repair systems, accuracy is of high-priority. At Wichitech, we’ve created a system that puts our customer first, and that includes high-quality construction, reliability, and top-of-the-line product performance.

Since 1986, we’ve been making the composite repair equipment that aviation giants like Bell Helicopter and Boeing rely on every day. A great example of why customers come back continuously is our popular WichiTech HB-2. The HB-2 is the world’s most reliable hot bonder, so customers are confident that their repairs will go quickly and smoothly.  While we don’t do any actual repairs, our team of experts, including our engineering specialist David Junkin, will work with your employees on how to most-effectively use our equipment.

The world of composites is ever evolving, and WichiTech is constantly attending training programs to be able to offer the most up-to-date trends in technology. We don’t just service the aviation industry, the automotive and wind energy sectors also look to WichiTech for cost-effective and high quality repair equipment. In addition, our equipment is durable and reliable. In fact, we offer a unique and industry leading three-year warranty on all of our equipment.

If you have any questions about how WichiTech can make your aviation, automotive, or wind-power repairs cost-effective and accurate, please contact us today.

We’ll be blogging about the products, services and happenings at Wichitech on a regular basis – so take some time each month and check out our new blog!

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Wichitech Industries, Inc. Proud to Announce the Launch of a New Blog

Posted on October 18, 2012 by admin

Wichitech Industries, Inc. has launched a new blog on this website! Check back here periodically for articles and news related to the company and to the industry at large.

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