The Boeing Company
CONTOUR FORMING IN FIBER-PLACEMENT SYSTEM

Abstract:

A method for contour forming in a fiber placement system. The method includes painting multiple sliced layers on a stationary form to create a composite component. The sliced layers include multiple hoop tows. One or more overlap splices are formed in each of the hoop tows. The method includes applying a layup heat to multiple target areas on the sliced layers during the painting. The target areas are spatially arranged to permit a slippage in the splices. The method further includes draping the composite component on a curved tool with the hoop tows oriented perpendicular to an axis of curvature of the curved tool, and applying a curing heat to the composite component after the composite component has been contoured by the curved tool. The curing heat inhibits a further slippage in the overlap splices.