Ply-by-ply inline thermography inspection for thermoplastic automated tape layup

Abstract

Automated tape layup (ATL) largely employs post manufacturing manual visual inspection techniques for defect detection, which severely affects the productivity. Inline monitoring and defect prediction can help in making the process faster and more reliable. The presented work details the use of thermography as an inspection tool for thermoplastic tape material. A new online monitoring system is developed containing Infrared camera integrated on a purpose build ATL test rig. The capability of the tool to identify various defects is analyzed. Moreover, detailed temperature and cooling behavior analysis is done for defect prediction.

SS-OCT technology for the in-process inspection of the automated fiber placement manufacturing process

“…: gaps, overlaps, missing tows, twisted tows), bonding defects (e.g. : bridging, air pockets) and foreign objects that can fall onto the surface [2]. Manual ply-by-ply visual inspection is the standard procedure for detecting defects.…”

In-process nip point temperature estimation in automated tape placement based on analytical solution and remote thermal measurements

“…In the context of ATP, thermography and laser-vision have been used to identify placement and steering defects. [30][31][32][33] Optical fibre Bragg grating sensors have also been used to monitor the temperature and strain during placement. 34 These strategies serve an on-line inspection role rather than acting as part of a process control system.…”