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Notes
  • Full-scale, high-rate production filament winder for COPVs and pressure vessels
  • Ideal for medium-envelope parts in demanding production environments
  • Up to 5-axis motion with multiple beam lengths for flexible configurations
  • Multi-spindle capability (up to 9 spindles) to increase throughput

SM+ Filament Winder – Full-Scale Filament Winding Machine for COPVs and High-Rate Production

The SM+ Filament Winder from Engineering Technology Corporation (ETC) is a full-scale filament winding machine designed for high-rate composite part production. Built on a modular platform, the SM+ delivers speed, flexibility, and upgrade-ready capability for manufacturers producing COPVs (Composite Overwrapped Pressure Vessels), pressure vessels, and other medium-envelope parts.

With support for up to five axes of motion and up to nine spindles, the SM+ helps increase throughput while maintaining consistent fiber placement and repeatable quality

Watch the SM+Filament Winder in Action

Video 1: SM+ Filament Winder (wet winding for COPVs; 4-axis, 5-spindle machine)
Video courtesy of Hypercomp Engineering, Inc. (hypercompeng.com).

Video 2: SM+ Filament Winder (dry winding; 4-axis, 5-spindle machine)

Key Features

  • Mudular full-scale platform designed for production environments and future expansion
  • Up to 5 axes of motion for complex winding patterns and optimized fiber placement
  • Multi-spindle capability (up to 9) to increase production throughput
  • High-rate performance with fast carriage and spindle speeds
  • Compatible with wet winding or towpreg fiber systems
  • Integrated FWC11 control system and FiberGrafiX® winding software for programming and operation

Why Choose the SM+ Filament Winder

The SM+ is ideal for production teams that need:

  • Higher throughput without sacrificing repeatability
  • A standardized machine with an optimized price and reduced lead time
  • Flexibility to expand with additional axes, automation, or multi-spindle configurations
  • Proven, serviceable design backed by ETC’s filament winding expertise

Applications

The SM+ is commonly used for:

  • COPVs (Composite Overwrapped Pressure Vessels)
  • CNG and hydrogen pressure vessels
  • Aerospace and industrial composite cylinders
  • High-rate production of medium-envelope composite parts

Customization and Automation

The SM+ Filament Winder can be customized and automated to meet your exact production requirements. ETC’s engineering team can integrate advanced controls, sensors, safety systems, tie-on/cut-off automation, and fiber-handling systems to improve productivity and ensure consistent results, regardless of operator experience.

Learn More & Get a Quote

For more information, review the Specification, Accessories, Automation, and Downloads sections below.
Contact Engineering Technology Corporation to discuss your filament winding goals and how our expertise can help you achieve them.

 

Specification
Model Number

SM+

Maximum Mandrel Diameter

30 inches (1 spindle), 20 inches (3 spindles), 10 inches (5 spindles), etc.

Horizontal Carriage Stroke

60, 107, 154, or 201 inches (options)

Radial Carriage Stroke

15 inches

Maximum Mandrel Weight (per spindle)

1000 lbs

Number of Spindles

Up to 9

Number of Axes

2-5

Spindle Speed

150 RPM

Horizontal Carriage Speed

75 inches/sec

Radial Carriage Speed

65 inches/sec (3rd axis)

Rotating Eye Diameter

6 inches (4th axis)

Rotating Eye Speed

720 degrees/sec (4th axis)

Fiber System

Wet winding or towpreg

Maximum Fiber Tension (Total)

125 lbs

Basic Machine Size (L x W x H)

156 X 80 X 120 inches

Control System
Available Winder Options
  • Pneumatic tailstock quill(s)
  • 120 VAC power outlet (or any available power)
  • 5th axis (yaw rotation)
Available Accessories
  • ST2 servo tensioning creel
  • Computer-aided tensioning (CAT) creel
  • Bookshelf creel
  • Wet winding drum resin bath
  • Wet winding dip resin bath
  • Delivery systems (towpreg & wet winding)
  • Tape tensioner
  • Safety fence
  • Safety light curtains
  • Safety control systems
  • Auto tie-on/cut-off system
  • Tailstock chucks

All filament winders support integration with standalone fiber tensioning and resin delivery systems