

Two preform manufacturing techniques which use automation to this end are filament winding and Automated Fiber Placement (AFP).Ĭompositence preform manufacturing machines are capable of processing prepreg materials and unidirectional tapes as well as rovings for resin injection molding. Once the parameters are in place, the machine arms follow their instructions precisely.Īside from the precision of automation, one of the greatest benefits of machine-supported preform manufacture is the possibility of producing finished layups from pure rovings without the need for pre-weaving, cutting and stacking.

#PREFORM PRODUCTS SOFTWARE#
The software is designed in such a way as to allow users to put in the necessary parameters before preforming begins. Automatic ManufacturingĪn automatic layup system such as the patented Compositence technology consists of hardware such as robotic servo-arms with specialized fiber extruding heads, as well as software. However, the draping and stacking of fabrics is usually performed by hand or semi-automated, making the process more labor-intensive than automated manufacture. While there may be differences between individual production techniques, semi-automatic preform manufacturing is usually performed following these steps:įor a business producing fiber-reinforced composites, the step of weaving rovings into fabric may be discarded simply by investing in a stock of pre-woven non-crimp fabrics or organo sheets, while cutting may be accomplished with machine support. This method of preform manufacturing follows multiple steps, making the process significantly more time and resource consuming than machine-supported processes.
#PREFORM PRODUCTS MANUAL#
While machine-supported production techniques are quickly becoming the industry standard for the combined advantages of high possible production volumes, low probability of human error and low waste of resources, some manufacturers still rely on outdated manual layup and molding techniques. There are essentially three types of procedures for composite layups leading up to preform manufacturing: manual, semi automated and automatic. The Process of creating and molding Fiber-reinforced Preforms That being said, over the last years of development, the procedure has been continually improved upon, now allowing for quick and cost-effective preform manufacturing with the sophisticated Compositence system. While metals and metal alloys used for parts production can simply be molten and cooled off inside molds to create a desired component, fiber-reinforced composite elements need to be combined and prepared before the preform procedures and final curing can even begin. Manufacturing composites at industrial standards is a particularly demanding, highly complex process.
