With pre-preg materials the matrix has already been added to the composite before it arrives at the customer’s facility. Handling these materials is difficult because the resin’s tackiness creates untidy conditions in the plant. To overcome this challenge, we created the patented Triple Vacuum Frame — delivering not only an innovative solution, but a range of additional benefits for any manufacturer handling pre-pregs.
Our TVF enhances prepreg handling by isolating resin, improving cleanliness, reducing cycle times, and boosting efficiency in composite preforming.
April 9, 2026
Cleaning up and simplifying preforming and compression molding processes
What is the Triple Vacuum Frame?
At the simplest level, the Triple Vacuum Frame (TVF) is a specialized metallic frame that holds two thermoplastic films, one on the upper side and one on the lower. These films are “stretched” to accommodate different sizes of pre-preg materials, which are placed between the two layers and held in position using a vacuum.
Why we created the TVF
Pre-preg materials are sticky, difficult to manage and move around because the resin sticks to everything — grippers, oven, mold… Whichever system comes into contact with the material will, by the end of the day, be covered with resin and need cleaning.
The TVF solves this problem (and others) at each stage of preforming. It is a patented “no mess” solution designed for transferring pre-preg materials along the preforming line, from the loading area to the heating oven and then to the preforming press.
Benefits of using the TVF
1. Maintenance-free operations: Clean equipment
A major hurdle in processing tacky materials is tool contamination. State-of-the-art technology now allows for handling tacky materials without dirtying grippers and tools. This breakthrough results in:
- Significant reduction in downtime for cleaning.
- 100% elimination of chemical release agents
- Extended lifespan of end-of-arm tooling.
- A cleaner, more consistent production environment.
2. Superior preforming and active de-bulking
Next-generation systems offer enhanced draping functionality, adapting to complex geometries with millimetric precision. Furthermore, the integration of active de-bulking during the lay-up phase ensures the removal of interlaminar air, guaranteeing structural compaction that elevates the quality of the final part.
3. Precision security: Fail-safe handling
Complexity should not breed uncertainty. Our fail-safe handling systems allow customers to process multiple stacks in a single cycle, as well as stacks with local reinforcements or core materials with no risk of material misplacement. This guarantees accuracy even with heterogeneous lay-ups, providing unprecedented production flexibility.
4. Streamlined workflow: Direct-to-press
The goal is simplification. Depending on the specific part geometry, this advanced technology allows manufacturers to bypass the preforming stage entirely. This “Direct-to-Press” capability reduces intermediate steps, energy consumption, and floor space requirements, moving material from storage to the press in the most efficient way possible.
The process can be automated
True automation leaves no room for compromise. Modern handling solutions are designed for easy integration into automated lines. By utilizing plug-and-play interfaces and advanced control systems, manufacturers can transform fragmented manual processes into a continuous flow, drastically reducing Takt time and human error.
The TVF even offers an advantage in the post-processing phase. Once the preforming press is opened and the component is unloaded, the pre-preg stack is still held between the two thermoplastic films — it is already protected by the film. The customer can place it in a storage area or, if they are only producing the preforms, can ship it as is. But, if the customer is also doing compression molding, the film can easily be unpeeled from the material.
Are you looking for a tailored solution?
Contact us today to discuss your specific needs and find out how our custom solutions can enhance your production process. Don’t wait — let’s create excellence together!
