Hybrid vacuum-robotic forming of reinforced composite laminates

Elkington, Michael P; Mistry, Preetum J; Johnson, Michael S; Ou, Hengan

Abstract

A methodology is presented to implement robotic actuators into diaphragm forming of composite laminates. This Hybrid Vacuum-Robotic (HyVR) process is specifically targeted to prevent ‘bridging’ type defects. Examples are presented of successfully forming laminates with deep concave features that would otherwise be impossible by diaphragm forming. The robotically controlled end effectors apply localised pressure to concave regions during the diaphragm forming process. This force application is analogous to the incremental sheet forming process. A generalised methodology is presented which can be applied to develop a bespoke HyVR process for a specific mould. It can then inform what type of end effector should be used and how to apply it within the HyVR process. A key development included in this methodology is the use of the robot to ‘pin’ the laminate to the mould, preventing any unwanted movement. This process could enable automated production of more complex components using diaphragm forming, taking advantage of its lower tooling and equipment costs.

Citation

Elkington, M. P., Mistry, P. J., Johnson, M. S., & Ou, H. (2023). Hybrid vacuum-robotic forming of reinforced composite laminates. Journal of Reinforced Plastics and Composites, 42(11-12), 611-623. https://doi.org/10.1177/07316844221135211

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Oct 27, 2022
• Online Publication Date: Oct 27, 2022
• Publication Date: 2023-06
• Deposit Date: Nov 16, 2022
• Publicly Available Date: Nov 17, 2022
• Journal: Journal of Reinforced Plastics and Composites
• Print ISSN: 0731-6844
• Electronic ISSN: 1530-7964
• Publisher: SAGE Publications
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 42
• Issue: 11-12
• Pages: 611-623
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/07316844221135211
• Keywords: Materials Chemistry; Polymers and Plastics; Mechanical Engineering; Mechanics of Materials; Ceramics and Composites
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/13181877
• Publisher URL: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/07316844221135211