AUTO-RTM - Highly automated process chain for the production of carbon-fiber reinforced components

Abstract

The proper description of the project is “Auto-RTM”. RTM stands for “Resin Transfer Moulding” and is a production technology for the manufacturing of carbonfiber reinforced components. The RTM technique works with a closed, multi-part tooling concept. A number of tailored plies of carbon-fiber are preformed to a near-net-shape blank (a so-called “Preform”). The Preform is placed into the tool, and then the tool can be closed a heated. Resin is injected into the tool and impregnates the carbon-fibers. Because of the heat, the resin begins to cure and after a specific period of time, the cured component can be extracted. Up to now, the described process requires a high ratio of manual work. The main objective of the Auto-RTM project is to develop new automation techniques to obtain a highly automated process chain and, as a result, improve lead time and process stability. Therefore, the process chains of different methods of resolution were implemented into the DELMIA Process Engineer. On the basis of several DPE analyses, the most encouraging manufacturing scenario was chosen and realised as hardware configuration. Currently, the machines are tested and optimised. New findings regarding process times, costs and technological aspects are permanently included into the DPE. By this approach, a major step for reaching the readiness for serial production is done and additionally it was possible to save plenty of development time and costs.