Automated Layup of Sheet Prepregs on Complex Moulds

Michael P Elkington, Carwyn Ward, Kevin D Potter

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference Contribution (Conference Proceeding)

20 Citations (Scopus)
560 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

A new two-stage method for the automated manufacture of high performance composites components is presented which aims to combine the capacity for forming complex shapes of Hand Layup with the speed of existing automated systems. In the first stage of the new process plies are formed into the approximate shape of the mould using a press mechanism. They are then passed onto a layup stage which uses multiple end effectors controlled by a single six axis robot to stick the plies down onto the mould. This is the first time an automated process has been capable of forming sheets of woven prepreg onto truly complex moulds while maintaining a high level of fibre alignment. This work represents a condensed version of the second half of the thesis by the author entitled ‘The evolution and automation of sheet prepreg layup’. This work is based on a portion of a thesis by the author [1], and there is an accompanying video online [2].
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationInternational SAMPE Technical Conference
Number of pages8
ISBN (Electronic)9783000533877
Publication statusPublished - 24 Jun 2016
EventSAMPE Long Beach 2016 - Long Beach Convention Center, Long Beach, CA, United States
Duration: 23 May 201623 May 2016

Conference

ConferenceSAMPE Long Beach 2016
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityLong Beach, CA
Period23/05/1623/05/16

Keywords

  • Rollers
  • convex
  • concave
  • double curvature

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