Increased fiber placement automation

MAG IAS (Erlanger, Ky.) reports that it has developed a new system that reduces automatic fiber placement system downtime by automatically exchanging cut/clamp/restart (CCR) units that need service for fresh units, allowing the machines to maintain full production rates virtually uninterrupted. Developed for Boeing South Carolina, the CCR changing system allows offline servicing of a contaminated end effector, dramatically increasing the production availability of both new and fielded machines. MAG estimates the system will optimize machine use and, therefore, yield significant time savings in part production by minimizing interruption of part layup. Boeing purchased the CCR option on a new VIPER 6000 automated fiber placement (AFP) system in its North Charleston, S.C., facility. The CCR changing system automatically exchanges one end effector for a second that processes the same width material, using a docking stand outside the work zone. Then the offline CCR can be cleaned or serviced without interrupting production. The interchangeable CCR module is designed for easy maintenance and can be disassembled in minutes without hand tools.