A Practical Discussion of the Abilities and Limitations of Automated Fiber Placement (AFP)

Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) equipment has become significantly faster and more reliable and, now that AFP technology has been proven for a variety of parts, more companies are considering AFP equipment to replace their existing processes. But before they do, it is important to learn AFP’s capabilities and limitations. This presentation will discuss the challenges and rewards of using AFP. It will describe the interaction between part programming and machine functionality, and how it is affected by part geometry, ply boundary shapes, lay-down path trajectory, material limits, and the physical behavior and mechanics of the fiber placement head and machine. To register for this webinar, visit https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/864048497.

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Using NC Program Simulation to Improve Inspection of the Automated Fiber Placement Layup Process

From CGTech

Inspecting to ensure the process is correct is common in any manufacturing endeavor. But it should not be the inspector’s job to ensure the manufactured result meets engineering requirements. Attempting to meet this requirement creates additional time-consuming inspection steps that should not be done in the workshop. Today it is possible to use software to virtually validate a simulated layup created directly from the AFP NC program to ensure that it meets engineering requirements. This frees the workshop inspector to verify the process. This session will discuss how AFP layup simulation works, some of the layup features that can be inspected, and how this can help improve inspection efficiency in the workshop. Primary topics (what the registrant will learn): • Learn how AFP layup simulation directly from an AFP NC program works. • Discover some of the layup features that can be inspected. • See how inspection efficiency can be improved in the workshop.

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Using Pourable Foams to Manufacture Durable Prototype Tools and Patterns for High-Performance Composites

Manufacturing prototype tools and patterns for high-performance composites using conventional processes can be an expensive, wasteful and time-consuming process. Using inexpensive materials to cast a tool or pattern with pourable foam may be an attractive alternative. Applications for which this solution is appropriate, the properties of modern pourable foams under high temperature autoclave and out-of-autoclave conditions, and best practices for the use of pourable foam will be discussed.

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