AUTOMATED FABRIC LAYUP SYSTEM AND METHOD

摘要

To apply a resin impregnated fabric to a substrate, a pressure shoe module (36) includes a surface having a conforming layer of material (46) and a curved forward edge (50) . A contact surface (44) moves relative to the substrate and to conform to the substrate. The conforming layer of material is compatible for use with the resin. The curved forward edge is disposed at the front of the surface relative to the movement of the device to the fabric and is curved with a center portion of the curved forward edge being relatively forward of a pair of side portions of the curved forward edge. An automated fabric lamination machine (AFLM) includes a positioning device (12) to control the movement of an end effector (14) relative to a layup mold or tool (16). The positioning device (12) includes any suitable system to control the movement of the end effector (14) relative to the tool (16).