Automatically building or repairing composite fibre structures

Abstract

Purpose

This paper sets out to report on the developments in the evolution of advanced composite fibre structure production systems, to highlight advanced equipment already in production and to examine efforts to extend automated technology to assessing damage and automatically repairing composite fibre structures.

Design/methodology/approach

Leading companies in design and construction of advanced composite fibre production machinery are teaming with other technology leaders to further automate the inspection, damage assessment and repair of composite fibre structures. Automated control and movement of inspection scanners, coupled with computer analysis of findings, provide input to repair program generation. The repair program then can direct the ultrasonic cutting and composite fibre tape‐laying procedures necessary to complete the repair. Also important is the coordination of a material‐handling system to link the parts and the required production subsystems.

Findings

The outlook for totally automated repair looks very promising. Success appears to depend more on implementation and automation of known technologies and less on the development of totally new technology. Key are the software developments necessary to complete the system integration.

Practical implications

A team approach, where leaders in their own technology join together rather than an expert in one area attempting to become an expert in other technologies, looks like a more productive answer. A bonus is that the end result will be the combination of the best of all the applicable technologies.

Originality/value

Seeing the results of others in tackling what may seem like a hard to automate application by employing a team of vendors can provide a road‐map to success in addressing other requirements.

Citation

Bloss, R. (2007), "Automatically building or repairing composite fibre structures", Assembly Automation, Vol. 27 No. 3, pp. 202-206. https://doi.org/10.1108/01445150710763213