AutoHD – Automated Handling and Draping of Reinforcing Textiles

In almost all industrial sectors handling processes are automated through the use of robotic systems. However, in the manufacture of fiber-reinforced structures with complex geometries, the handling of dry, pre-impregnated semi-finished textiles is still performed mainly manually resulting in long processing times, low reproducibility and high manufacturing costs. A previous AiF research project “AutoPreforms” aimed at the automation of the entire production process of components with uniaxial curvature. The scope of this AiF research project “AutoHD” is to fully automate the draping and handling process of complex, three-dimensional fiber composite structures with high degrees of deformation and multiaxial curvature (e.g. car wings). Based on a draping simulation wrinkles can already be recognized during the draping process and counteracted by the developed mechanical structure. This is achieved by the utilization of the bending stiffness of textile semi-finished products, a flexible end-effector and a built-in optical quality assurance process. In this paper the main aspects of preforming processes are described revealing the challenges of the project. With examples of currently existing systems, the objective and innovative contribution of the project are described. The paper serves as initial presentation of the project and its solution approaches.