Induction heating system enables OOA composites processing

Light induction tooling (LIT) system. Source | Roctool

Celebrating 25 years of innovation, inducting heating technologies company Roctool (Le Bourget du Lac, France) present its latest advancements focused on efficiency, sustainability and performance. Roctool’s team is available for meetings, technical discussions and to provide insights on optimizing composites manufacturing processes.

This year, Roctool demonstrates the light induction tooling (LIT) system, showcasing the benefits of induction heating for rapid and energy-efficient composite molding. The live demonstration, taking place in JEC World’s Live Demo Area, focuses on how conformal heat-and-cool technology enhances out-of-autoclave (OOA) processing by improving cycle times and energy efficiency.

Roctool’s LIT technology ensures efficient and uniform heat distribution via OOA processing. Suitable for high-temperature materials, LIT is engineered to enable Class A surface quality. Cycle times are reported to be shorter and it offers low energy consumption (promoting sustainable production) with optimized tooling thickness configurations. LIT is also compatible with a range of tooling materials, including nickel, steel and INVAR.

The LIT demonstration is being conducted in collaboration with material providers Yuho and EcoTechnilin. Each partner presents a distinct material, demonstrating its advantages in composites manufacturing:

Yuho (Booth N107, Hall 6) presents its newest nonwoven recycled carbon fiber, manufactured without needling. Hayate-ST enhances surface quality by reducing spring-back effects.
EcoTechnilin (Booth C59, Hall 5) showcases its combination of natural fibers and thermoplastic resins. The unveiling of the company’s “Linstetik” material range highlights a product that combines structural performance, innovative design and sustainability.

LIT demonstrations located in the Live Demo Zone run as follows:

Tuesday, March 4: 10:00 – 10:25 a.m. and 3:30 – 3:55 p.m.
Wednesday, March 5: 10:00 – 10:25 a.m. and 3:30 – 3:55 p.m.
Thursday, March 6: 11:30 – 11:55 a.m.

In addition, in collaboration with ENRX, Roctool is displaying its 25- and 50-kW compact, air-cooled generators, featuring an ergonomic redesign. Equipped with integrated handles for easy mobility, these lightweight yet powerful generators are designed for rapid deployment in production environments. Roctool notes that the updated design is not only more aesthetic, but also improves functionality, thanks to enhanced accessibility and casing modifications.

Visit Roctool at Booth T90 in Hall 6 next to the Live Demo area.