Process Design for the Automation of Online-Consolidation Composite Fiber Placement

Abstract

The paper discusses three design aspects for the automation of online-consolidation composite fiber placement. This work includes a thermal study for the design of the end-effector heat source. A 6-dof robot articulates the end-effector for the appropriate tow placement. A new method is introduced to place the task in the workspace and to define dimensional characteristics for the products. A compliance model is then developed to insure the most accurate path planning in the absence of external position feedback means.