Multi-tow shearing mechanism for high-speed manufacturing of variable angle tow composites

B. C. Kim, K. Potter, P. M. Weaver

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

An innovative tow steering technique using shear deformation characteristics of the dry tow material has been developed to minimize the process-induced defects by changing the most fundamental way of handling tow materials of all conventional AFP techniques, and was named as 'CTS (Continuous Tow Shearing)'. The objective of this research was to improve the productivity of the CTS process by using the stitched unidirectional non-crimped fabric (NCF) with multiple carbon tows rather than a single carbon tow and eliminating the in-situ impregnation process with slow process speed. A prototype of the CTS head module with a wide feed mechanism for the NCF and the resin film was developed and installed on a prepreg cutting machine for process validation.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationECCM 2012 - Composites at Venice, Proceedings of the 15th European Conference on Composite Materials
PublisherEuropean Conference on Composite Materials, ECCM
ISBN (Print)9788888785332
Publication statusPublished - 2012
Externally publishedYes
Event15th European Conference on Composite Materials: Composites at Venice, ECCM 2012 - Venice, Italy
Duration: 24 Jun 201228 Jun 2012

Publication series

NameECCM 2012 - Composites at Venice, Proceedings of the 15th European Conference on Composite Materials

Conference

Conference15th European Conference on Composite Materials: Composites at Venice, ECCM 2012
Country/TerritoryItaly
CityVenice
Period24/06/1228/06/12

Keywords

  • Automated fibre placement (AFP)
  • Continuous tow shearing (CTS)
  • Non-crimped fabric (NCF)
  • Variable angle tow (VAT)

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