Robotic based fiber placement cell with stationary dispensing head and creel

摘要

A system for applying composite fiber to a lay-up tool (20) has a fixed creel (12) for supplying fiber to the fiber placement dispensing head (15) and a fixed arm (14) having a first end attached to the creel (12) and having a second end attached to the dispensing head (15). The dispensing head (15) is fixed on the end of the arm (14). A robot (25) having a first and second pivot axis (31, 33) and at least a first wrist supports the lay-up tool (20). The robot (25) manipulates the tool (20) for application of fiber from the head (15) to the tool (20). Manipulating the tool (20) instead of the dispensing head (15) allows the path length for the fiber between the creel (12) and head (15) to be fixed in length and orientation during application of fiber to the tool (20).