Method and system for creating three-dimensional preforms for use in composite parts

• Main Authors: Davidson, Erick, Perkins, J. Scott, Escowitz, Ethan, Reese, Riley
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 14.06.2022
• Subjects: MAKING GRANULES OR PREFORMS; PERFORMING OPERATIONS; PREPARATION OR PRETREATMENT OF THE MATERIAL TO BESHAPED; RECOVERY OF PLASTICS OR OTHER CONSTITUENTS OF WASTE MATERIALCONTAINING PLASTICS; TRANSPORTING; WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE, IN GENERAL

An ultrasonic manipulator for processing three-dimensional composite preforms is provided, including at least one end effector, the end effector having an ultrasonic cutting device, an ultrasonic machining device, an ultrasonic inspecting device, and an ultrasonic bonding device. A method for creating three-dimensional preforms for use in molding composite parts is also provided, and includes the steps of grasping a preform/towpreg, inspecting the composite object using ultrasound, cutting a preform from the composite object using ultrasound, and at least some of the steps of shaping the preform using ultrasound, machining the preform using ultrasound, assembling a plurality of preforms, bonding the assembled preforms together to create a preform charge, and placing the preform charge in an injection mold.