launchers and satellites
- Accueil
- |
- Industries
- |
- Aeronautics and Space
- |
- Rockets, Launchers and Satellites
PINETTE PEI for the space industry
In a sector as demanding as the space industry, precision, innovation and reliability are essential. PINETTE PEI With its advanced technologies and in-depth expertise, the Group is ideally placed to meet these requirements.
High-tech solutions for the space industry
>> Assembly resources and tooling
At PINETTE PEI, we provide sophisticated assembly systems and molding technologies that are essential for precision assembly of space components. Our assembly jigs ensure perfect alignment, essential when manufacturing components that must withstand the rigors of space.
Our molding and tooling facilities are designed to meet the most stringent specifications, using advanced composite materials to minimize weight while maximizing the strength and durability of space components.
Our test benches are at the heart of our offering for the space industry, designed to simulate extreme flight conditions and test the resistance of components under various loads. For example, our facilities are used to qualify engines such as the Vulcain 2 for ARIANE 5.
To guarantee the integrity and performance of assemblies, PINETTE PEI integrates non-destructive testing (NDT) solutions, such as our ultrasonic systems. This technology enables imperfections to be detected with exceptional resolution, ensuring that every component not only meets quality standards, but is also ready to operate under extreme conditions.
Why choose PINETTE PEI?
Expertise and innovation
With a rich history of innovation and expertise in precision engineering, PINETTE PEI is at the forefront of developing solutions for the space industry. Our highly qualified engineers are committed to continuous research to improve and invent new solutions that meet tomorrow’s challenges.
Commitment to quality
We are dedicated to providing products and services of the highest quality. Our commitment to excellence is backed by strict certifications and rigorous attention to detail, enabling us to meet the high standards of the aerospace industry.
PINETTE PEI is the partner of choice for advanced engineering solutions in the space industry. Thanks to our technical expertise, capacity for innovation and commitment to quality, we help our customers achieve their goals with reliable, state-of-the-art solutions. We’re ready to propel your project into space.
Assembly means
Space industry Customized tooling & assembly resources
For more than 20 years, PINETTE PEI has been putting its know-how in the production of tooling and assembly equipment at the service of major space industry groups. We supply customized tooling and assembly equipment for rocket, launcher and satellite components.
Assembly, machining and control equipment for composite structures
Used on Ariane launchers, our assembly, machining and control systems illustrate the expertise of PINETTE PEI:
- Drilling
- Assembly
- Interpolation milling
- Automatic dimensional control
Applications : Large composite sandwich panels and structures.
Features :
- Height adjustable from 5,000 to 7,000 mm
- Optimized design: operator comfort and improved productivity
- Maximum diameter 6,000 mm
- 6-axis CNC control.
- Reference position accuracy +/- 0.2 mm
- Axis displacement accuracy < +/- 0.1 mm
Tooling for composite parts
PINETTE PEI is a supplier of tooling and molding stations for forming composite structures:
- Tubes
- Structural parts
- Large-scale structures
Our welded steel tooling is extremely rigid, guaranteeing the correct geometry of the formed parts and high precision. All our molds are designed for ease of handling and maximum reliability. The oldest ones still in service were delivered in 2000.
The molding stations can form large parts in composite materials: up to 6,500 mm long, 3,500 mm wide and 4,000 mm in diameter.
Moulds for satellite solar panels
PINETTE PEI supplies welded INVAR molds for satellite solar panels, up to 4,500 mm long and 3,500 mm wide. Adjustable tooling geometry compensates for part deformation during curing.
Assembly equipment for composite parts
We have a full range of reliable assembly equipment, some of which has been in service for over 10 years.
Applications :
- Light-alloy truss structures
- Parts for cryogenic tank interiors
- Cylindrical structures for civil launchers
Features :
- Maximum diameter of parts and structures: 5,600 mm
- Interface accuracy less than 0.1 mm
- Work on all class 100-compatible materials and surfaces
Cutting unit for cryogenic tank insulation panels
PINETTE PEI also supplies cutting units for insulating panels on the cryogenic tanks of the Ariane 5 launcher.
Features :
- Maximum insulation panel dimensions: 2,500 x 2,500 mm
- Maximum spherical radius: 3,000 mm
- 3-axis CNC control
This low-maintenance machine has been in operation for over 15 years without any intervention other than preventive maintenance.
Test equipment
Space industry Test machines, custom test benches
PINETTE PEI is a supplier of test machines and test benches for the space industry (rockets, launchers and satellites). Our test machines and test benches are tailor-made to meet our customers’ requirements.
Test bench for qualification of the cryogenic supply line disconnection system - Ariane
PINETTE PEI has designed and developed a test bench for the validation and qualification of the hydrogen, oxygen and liquid helium supply manifold disconnection system for Ariane 5. This machine can simulate real launch conditions, including all kinematic forces. It is equipped with a programming and data acquisition system.
The reliability and accuracy of the simulation of positions, velocity, acceleration and cryogenic temperatures are 100% guaranteed. Thanks to its development strategy based on collaborative engineering, PINETTE PEI is able to deliver this equipment in a very competitive timeframe.
Nozzle test bench for the VULCAIN 2 cryogenic engine
PINETTE PEI has supplied a test bench for the requalification of the nozzle of the VULCAIN 2 cryogenic engine. The purpose of this test facility is to simulate real-life take-off conditions, with all the associated stresses. This equipment has proved its reliability in terms of thermal, acoustic and vibratory resistance. It is a true model of technological innovation.
PINETTE PEI also designed, manufactured and delivered a dynamic test bench for the Ariane 5 servo-control system. By applying opposing forces, the test bench simulates all the forces opposing direct servo-control forces.
Test bench for pressurized composite tanks on the Ariane 6 launcher
This static testing device can apply tensile, compressive and bending forces, as well as internal pressure.
- Combined force of up to 52,000 kN for a mass of 180 tonnes
- Bench for composite civil launcher tanks (maximum dimensions: Ø 4,000 mm x H 8,000 mm)
This high-performance test tool is very rigid, and the overflows applied to the specimens are less than 10%.
Test bench for Ariane 5 launcher cryogenic tubes
We also supplied a static test bench to simulate the temperatures and stresses undergone by cryogenic feed tubes in real-life conditions.
This type of test equipment can be used for :
- Shear forces
- Distribution of effort
- Internal pressure
- Deformations and extreme temperatures
For the aerospace industry, we have raised our standards to the highest possible level. The design of all our test equipment is optimized to guarantee reliability and versatility. By way of example, the design of this test bench enables us to run test programs in over 10 different configurations.
Test benches for launchers and launcher/satellite interface parts
Inter-stage structure
PINETTE PEI provides test facilities with a force capacity of up to 40,000 kN for testing inter-stage launcher structures and launcher/satellite interface parts.
The control machine can apply forces of up to 500 kN / m :
- Traction
- Compression
- Flexion
This equipment, which has been in service for over 20 years, has demonstrated its great reliability. What’s more, the product’s long service life has shown that its structural design ensures that the bench is neutral to the stresses exerted on the specimens, and guarantees easy access for reconfiguration operations. What’s more, overflows applied to specimens are less than 10%.
Composite tanks
Our engineers and technicians have also developed a test rig for composite tanks up to:
- 25,000 kN for tension/compression
- 5,000 kN / m for bending
The test rig can handle tanks up to 2,500 mm in diameter and 6,500 mm in height.
and dynamic test benches
