Continuous Winding Technology for Specific Closed Structural Components

Abstract:

Since energy resources are limited, there is a strong need for efficient technologies, which are suitable for large scale production. Therefore, an innovative Continuous Orbital Winding Technology was developed within the Federal Cluster of Excellence EXC 1075 “MERGE Technologies for Multifunctional Lightweight Structures” at TU Chemnitz. This continuous orbital winding (COW) technology is aiming for mass-production-suited processing of special semi-finished fiber reinforced thermoplastic materials. The new process chain and modular concept allows the implementation of other technologies and special applications, e.g. sensor integration. The COW process is a combination of thermoplastic tape winding and automated thermoplastic tape laying technology.The technological aim is to produce structural components with variable closed cross sections having rotationally symmetric and asymmetric sections. In addition, the machine concept is specifically designed to realize flexible layer constructions. The experimental part geometry was determined and it is intended to carry out pilot studies in order to validate the functionality.The key challenge is the desired processing speed for mass production. Therefore, an exemplary cross-section contour has been derived and used for the realization of the demonstrative concept. In this special concept the number of discontinuous moved assembly units was reduced. Furthermore, the appropriate and effective drive system was dimensioned by using inverse kinematics.For the fundamental experiments unidirectional fiber reinforced thermoplastic tapes are used. These investigations imply the level of consolidation in critical areas. The achievable maximum processing speed is of prime importance. These results will be used for further optimizations and specifications.

• Periodical: Materials Science Forum (Volumes 825-826)
• Pages: 687-694
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/MSF.825-826.687
• Online since: July 2015
• Authors: Rainer Wallasch*, Ramon Tirschmann
• Keywords: Automated Tape Laying, Kinematic System, Mass Production Processing, Thermoplastic Tape, Winding Technology

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