SHANGHAI, China, July 22, 2015 – Gerber Technology, the world leader in integrated software and hardware solutions for the industrial market, has partnered with GE AVIATION (Suzhou) to provide a range of automated systems for composite aeronautic components to be used on the Airbus 350 XWB jet airliner. Key in this project is integration of the Virtek LaserEdge 3D laser templating system for ply layup.
Gerber offers a complete portfolio of automation solutions for the manufacture of composite parts to ensure accuracy, optimize productivity, maximize material utilization and minimize labor requirements. Gerber will provide a series of solutions to GE for the A350 XWB, including a single-layer automatic material supply system, single-layer automatic cutters for pre-impregnated composites, synchronous material receiving systems and operation platforms.
The A350 XWB is Airbus’ new family of wide body aircraft for medium- to long-haul airline operations, and features a 25 percent lower fuel consumption and composite materials accounting for 52 percent of its weight. In the global allocation of A350 XWB production, GE AVIATION will provide the fixed trailing edge (TESS) for the A350 wing. In addition, the Suzhou factory of GE also manufactures fairing and seal plates for the A320.
The Virtek LaserEdge laser templating system is effective in increasing productivity and ensuring accuracy because it eliminates the use of physical templates. These systems are also effective in controlling ply orientation and integrity.
GE has been doing business in China since 1906, and currently six GE business groups have Chinese operations, with a total investment of $1.5 billion US and 12,000 employees. GE AVIATION (Suzhou), established in 2007, manufactures mechanical parts for aircraft and specialty automotive products.
About Virtek
Virtek Vision International Inc.is the global leader in laser templating and quality inspection systems, providing exceptional expertise and engineering for manufacturers around the world. The Virtek name has become synonymous with precision, reliability, and innovation.
Founded in 1986, and today a part of Gerber Technology, Virtek is based in Waterloo, ON, Canada, and has offices in the USA, across Europe and in Asia. From the aerospace to the construction industry, and from sheet metal fabrication to wind energy, our tailored technology solutions featuring LaserEdge, LaserQC, TrussLine, Iris and others, give customers the competitive edge needed to succeed in their fields.
About Gerber Technology
For nearly 50 years, Gerber Technology has been the world leader in providing integrated solutions to help its customers automate and more effectively manage product design and manufacturing processes in the apparel and industrial marketplaces. The company serves 25,000 customers, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies, in the aerospace, apparel, retail, composites, packaging, furniture, technical textiles and transportation interiors industries in 130 countries.
Based in Connecticut, Gerber Technology is owned by Vector Capital, a San Francisco-based, global private equity firm specializing in the technology sector that manages more than $2 billion of equity capital.
