After successfully obtaining funds for tendering carbon fiber fabrics, the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Technology Research Center purchased 3D weaving machines and jacquard machines, using advanced fiber processing equipment to make carbon fiber weaving into a new high-tech technology. New equipment installed in the synthesis center It takes about two weeks to build. Over time the camera will record complex photos assembled at each stage.
Weaving is a basic process that allows two or more yarns to be interwoven in an oblique or longitudinal direction to form a monolithic preform. This process is usually capable of producing preforms of complex shapes, but the size is affected by equipment and Limitation of yarn size. In the aerospace industry, the technology is currently focused on woven equipment, production and geometric analysis. The ultimate goal is to achieve fully automated production and integration of equipment and processes with CAD/CAM. The problem of low strength in terms of weave thickness has led to the development of three-dimensional weaving technology, which has made it possible to manufacture a preform without a surplus. However, this technique is also limited by the size of the device.
Weaving has great potential in the aerospace industry. The use of warp knitting technology, combined with the concept of fiber placement, is a multi-axial multi-layer warp knitted fabric commonly known as warp knit. This material is not bent. Therefore, the fibers can be arranged in the best form. Warp knitting technology can obtain thick multi-layer fabrics and determine the fiber direction as desired. Since there is no need to lay more layers, the economic benefits are greatly improved. A wide range of glass and carbon fiber warp knits are available. The foreign aerospace industry is investigating the use of this technology for secondary bearing and main bearing components, which have been carried out on aircraft wing masts and wing panels. Verification, it is expected to be widely used in aircraft manufacturing in the future.
In addition to 3D weaving machines and jacquard machines, the compound center will be equipped with many other new equipment, including weaving systems, custom fiber placement, high temperature and high pressure wire winders, splicing robots, drag expanders and robotic end effectors. These will be used. Manufacturing prefabricated parts and developing commercial enabling technologies including bonding, automation and impregnation.
Chris McHugh, fiber development manager at the AMRC Composite Center, said: 'The 3D weaving machine and jacquard machine open up new opportunities for the production of very complex carbon fiber preforms. It will push carbon fiber weaving to a new dimension. Chris recently joined The AMRC compound center has extensive textile experience and decades of experience. Earlier, Chris worked for several top development laboratories. Chris added, 'This equipment will be in the next generation of aerospace and automotive Play a key role in lightweight materials, using multi-material, multi-process preforming methods. According to Chris, the details of each stage of construction will be recorded by a time-lapse camera, which will be a good tool for People see the steps needed to build such a large device.