Astraeus Wind Energy

Astraeus is a Michigan-based partnership formed by Dowding Industries and MAG Industrial Automation Systems. It combines a skilled workforce in machining technologies, with one of the largest machine tool manufacturers in the world having specific expertise in carbon fiber aerospace applications and metal removal techniques. The combined effort uti... lizes the expertise in machine tool design and implementation and the skilled operation of large machines. This new venture has already generated interest from around the world in its game changing technologies. MAG is already offering automation equipment currently used in wind blade finishing processes (trimming, sanding, polishing, painting, coating). Astraeus has identified some of the major problems with wind turbine components and is designing and manufacturing solutions to the significant problems that currently impede wind as an energy source. Astraeus is developing new technologies that will automate blade manufacturing processes utilizing carbon fiber and other composite materials for blades and spar caps. These new solutions will make wind energy less expensive to generate, and will create components such as blades that outlast anything currently on the market worldwide. In April 2010, the State of Michigan designated Astraeus as a Center of Energy Excellence focused on the automated manufacturing of wind turbine blade components using advanced materials. Under this program, Astraeus works cooperatively with Dow Chemical Co. and Oakridge National Laboratory to develop new technologies for use in wind component manufacturing. Additional details about the COEE program can be found in this fact sheet.Read More