Using an AFP robot along with a large ply cutting table to produce stringer charges used in composite airplane manufacture. <\/i><\/p>\n
This combination of manufacturing processes in the same cell allows for a unique set of capabilities.
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The Gantry ply cutter shown here is a simple 4 axis model with automatic material feed function .<\/i><\/p>\n
6 axis models for angled and tapered ultrasonic are also available. Various automatic material feed capabilities can also be added.
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Using AFP process allows for manufacturing of engineered single ply and multi-ply charges that waste almost no carbon fiber material.
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This has a advantages both in terms of design flexibility and material costs when compared to a standard ply cutting table techniques.
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On standard standalone ply cutting tables, sheets of unidirectional prepreg material or woven material are cut with large percentages of waste.
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This waste exists even with best nesting software and techniques.
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Automated Fiber Placement also allows for steering of tow in the plane of the ply or charge.<\/i><\/p>\n
This allows for engineering of preform\/ply\/charge properties that can\u2019t be attained through any manufacturing process.
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These charges can then be automatically formed or manually place on tools for curing.<\/i><\/p>\n