Control and integration techniques in a fully automated manufacturing cell for carbon composites

The paper presents a fully automated robotic manufacturing cell for assembly of composite preforms for subsequent impregnation using resin transfer moulding techniques. Computerised component design data are used to derive all key manufacturing information for the preform assembly, from material roll to finished preform. Profile cutting, lay-up of plies, inspection and fixing are performed in the multiple-robot cell under central computer control. The operation technique used for each cell component is described along with the calibration techniques required between cell components and the arbitrary axis system of the CAD data. The advantages gained by CAD control of the cell have allowed methods for manufacturing preforms for 3-dimensional components to be developed, increasing the flexibility of the manufacturing system