Method and system for variable heat sources for composite fiber placement

A method of producing a composite part using an automated fiber placement (AFP) system, the method comprising:

• receiving at least one of a fiber and a plurality of fibers formed as a laydown tape at a compaction roller of a tool head of the AFP system;
• applying the laydown tape to a workpiece using the compaction roller at a predetermined speed and at a predetermined direction;
• applying a first amount of heat to the laydown tape using a thermal roller in contact with the laydown tape by heating the thermal roller with a first variable heat source, and wherein the first amount of heat applied is related to the predetermined speed;
• and
• applying a second amount of heat to the workpiece using a second variable heat source of the AFP system, wherein the second amount of heat applied is related to at least one of:
• a position on the workpiece, a thickness of the workpiece at the position, and a separation distance between the second variable heat source and the workpiece.

A method of producing a composite part using an automated fiber placement (AFP) system, the method comprising:

• receiving at least one of a fiber and a plurality of fibers formed as a laydown tape at a compaction roller of a tool head of the AFP system;
• applying the laydown tape to a workpiece using the compaction roller at a predetermined speed and at a predetermined direction;
• applying a first amount of heat to the laydown tape using a first variable heat source of the AFP system, wherein the first amount of heat applied is related to the predetermined speed;
• applying a second amount of heat to the workpiece using a second variable heat source of the AFP system, wherein the second amount of heat applied is related to at least one of:
• a position on the workpiece, a thickness of the workpiece at the position, and a separation distance between the second variable heat source and the workpiece;
• and
• applying a third amount of heat to a completed workpiece with the second variable heat source to at least partially cure the completed workpiece.