Research on the method of improving the laying accuracy of automated fiber placement

The laying accuracy of the automated fiber placement (AFP) machine determines the actual laying position of the prepreg tow, which directly affects the mechanical properties of the composite component after curing. The laying accuracy is affected by the coupling of multiple factors such as the spatial movement of the AFP machine, the delivery of the tow, and the coordinated movement of the AFP machine and the tow. Aiming at the problem that the friction conveying accuracy of the tow is difficult to guarantee, the transport model of the tow in the restarting stage is established, and the restarting accuracy of the tow is improved by optimizing the clamping scheme. A timing-based execution method of the restarting and cutting instructions is proposed to meet the process requirements of high placement speed and high coordination precision of the AFP process. Finally, the laying experiments are carried out on a special mold, and the start and end points of the tows can meet the requirements of laying accuracy.