Research on Prepreg Tape Cutting Platform with Two Cutters

The concept of cutting platform is proposed and realized based on the latest two step automated tape laying (Two step ATL) technology,which separates prepreg cutting process from tape laying to improve productivity for large parts with small features. Two step ATL is more efficient than conventional layup because ply patches are pre cut in a separate operation. The concept of the prepreg tape cutting experimental platform with two cutters is introduced. Further, based on the automatic tape laying trajectory planning software, a two cutter cutting algorithm is proposed. Cutting experiments are reported to validate both the concept of cutting platform and cutting algorithm. © 2019, Editorial Department of Transactions of NUAA. All right reserved.