201
7
implementation of this method is controlling the tension of the
deploying filament during the winding process. This critical problem may be quickly solved with the help of software.
7.3.2 Automatic Tape Layup (ATL) Machine
Significant progress has been made in ATL technology. Both speed
and accuracy have increased tremendously when compared to earlier ATL processes. Advancements in computer technology (hardware and software) have influenced ATL. Along with improvements
in speed and accuracy, the capability in size of the layup area has
also increased. Although a new breakthrough is not expected to
occur in ATL technology, improvements will be incremental but
continuous.
7.3.3 Automatic Ply Cutting (APC) Machine
This technology has made significant progress in recent years. Three
different methods of cutting are used for an APC machine: mechanical, laser, and water. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages.
7.3.4 Tow Placement
Tow placement is a relatively new process and has received considerable attention in recent years. It combines the advantages of ATL
and filament winding. Tow placement can fabricate complexshaped structures without having limitations on fibre angles. It has
the potential to reduce production costs significantly. This technology holds promise; however, its use at high production rates still
remains to be seen. Future developments include optimized control
systems, head position feedback, and in-process inspection for fast,
accurate, and high-quality parts production.
To Be Remembered
1. Open moulding processes are those where the part being
manufactured is exposed to the atmosphere.
2. Room-temperature curable resins are used in contact layup
and spray layup technologies.
3. Gelation time of the resin needs to be more than the layup
time for processing composites.
4. Generally, filament winding is carried out on a geodesic
path.
5. Geodesic path is the shortest path between two points on a
curved surface.
6. Excessive hardner content causes high exothermic reactions and high cross-link density, leading to brittleness and
creating composites of poor quality.
7.3 · Future Composite Manufacturing Technologies
7
implementation of this method is controlling the tension of the
deploying filament during the winding process. This critical problem may be quickly solved with the help of software.
7.3.2 Automatic Tape Layup (ATL) Machine
Significant progress has been made in ATL technology. Both speed
and accuracy have increased tremendously when compared to earlier ATL processes. Advancements in computer technology (hardware and software) have influenced ATL. Along with improvements
in speed and accuracy, the capability in size of the layup area has
also increased. Although a new breakthrough is not expected to
occur in ATL technology, improvements will be incremental but
continuous.
7.3.3 Automatic Ply Cutting (APC) Machine
This technology has made significant progress in recent years. Three
different methods of cutting are used for an APC machine: mechanical, laser, and water. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages.
7.3.4 Tow Placement
Tow placement is a relatively new process and has received considerable attention in recent years. It combines the advantages of ATL
and filament winding. Tow placement can fabricate complexshaped structures without having limitations on fibre angles. It has
the potential to reduce production costs significantly. This technology holds promise; however, its use at high production rates still
remains to be seen. Future developments include optimized control
systems, head position feedback, and in-process inspection for fast,
accurate, and high-quality parts production.
To Be Remembered
1. Open moulding processes are those where the part being
manufactured is exposed to the atmosphere.
2. Room-temperature curable resins are used in contact layup
and spray layup technologies.
3. Gelation time of the resin needs to be more than the layup
time for processing composites.
4. Generally, filament winding is carried out on a geodesic
path.
5. Geodesic path is the shortest path between two points on a
curved surface.
6. Excessive hardner content causes high exothermic reactions and high cross-link density, leading to brittleness and
creating composites of poor quality.
7.3 · Future Composite Manufacturing Technologies