Automated Dynamics Manufactures and Installs Machine for Mitsubishi Rayon Co. in Japan

SCHUYLERVILLE, NY, October 28, 2010 (Press-News.org) Automated Dynamics announced today that it has successfully built and installed a new robotic fiber placement machine for Mitsubishi Rayon Co. (MRC) and the University of Tokyo in Japan. The machine will support research and development and is funded by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) as part of its "Development of Sustainable Hyper Composite Technology" initiative, an industry-academic-government project aimed at developing carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastics (CFRTP) to reduce energy consumption and create a recycling society.

The Automated Dynamics-installed machine will be used to support research and development in two primary areas.

1. Developing easily workable CFRTP intermediate base materials
2. Developing easily workable CFRTP molding technology

"Carbon fiber is a high-function material that is strong and lightweight. It is approximately one-fourth as heavy but ten times stronger than iron," said Jim Harty, vice president, Sales and Marketing, Automated Dynamics. "The machine we manufactured and installed at the University of Tokyo will help the project achieve these goals."

It is estimated that using carbon fiber composite materials for at least half the body of modern aircraft will improve their fuel consumption by as much as 20 percent. In the automotive industry, carbon fiber composite materials can reduce vehicle weight by as much as 30 percent while improving passenger safety.

MRC expects that CFRTP and the molding technologies developed in this project will be used to manufacture a wide range of industrial products and parts that are strong and recyclable. The goal is to achieve sharp reductions in energy consumption and promote superior recyclability.

Kyokuto Boeki Kaisha Ltd. (KBK) of Japan, Automated Dynamics' trading company, played an instrumental role in forming this partnership.

About Automated Dynamics
Automated Dynamics manufactures advanced composite structures and high performance composite processing equipment. Through the development of innovative processes--automated fiber placement and automated tape laying--the company delivers strong, light-weight structures that solve complex problems for clients in the aerospace, automotive, defense, oil field, and other commercial/industrial markets.

Website: http://www.automateddynamics.com/news_events

About Mitsubishi Rayon Co., Ltd. (MRC)
Mitsubishi Rayon Co., Ltd. is a diversified manufacturer of chemicals, plastics, textile fibers, and consumer products, and it is global No. 1 MMA (Methyl methacrylate) monomer and polymer manufacturer. MRC also manufactures carbon fiber in Japan and the United States via its Grafil division.

About NEDO (New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization)
NEDO is a Japan's public management organization promoting research and development as well as the dissemination of industrial, energy and environmental technologies. NEDO's crucial missions are enhancement of Japan's industrial competitiveness and addressing energy and global environmental problems.