Preforming Large Composite Aerostructures: A Unique UK Capability

The National Composites Centre (Bristol, UK) is making significant investments in automated preforming by acquiring hybrid machines combining Automated Fibre Placement with Filament Winding, Automated Fibre Placement with Automated Tape Laying and Automated Fibre Placement of wide tapes with wide fabric layup in three standalone machines. These machines will be able to process thermoset prepregs, thermoplastic prepregs, and dry fibre materials in widths ranging from 6.35 to 5000 mm. The equipment will support a range of commercial and collaborative R&D projects aiming to reduce the cost and the risk involved in the automated preforming of new components by reducing the knowledge barrier to entry. This paper presents the equipment and shows through a case study how the NCC is meeting the challenge of developing in-depth understanding of a novel automated process and material combination to provide value to its member companies.