High speed tape placement with CoRe HeaT

Abstract

CoRe HeaT, the Continuous Resistance Heating Technology, is an alternative to state-of-the-art heating systems for carbon fibre placement processes like the Automated Fibre Placement (AFP) or filament winding. Basic principle of the technology is using the Joule effect to heat up the carbon fibres directly via their own resistance by electric current flow. High heating rates and fast response times allow significantly faster placement compared to today's technologies, enabling increased productivity for a variety of manufacturing processes. The paper gives a short overview of the technology and introduces a temperature model. Further material and machine specific investigations using the model will allow a more precise temperature control during placement processes.