Machine configured to form a composite structure

A machine that comprises:

• a composite placement machine;
• a tool path generator and a model within a computer, wherein the model is for a single build composite structure that comprises a set of plies,
• and wherein the tool path generator is in communication with the composite placement machine and is configured to:
• cause the composite placement machine to lay up the set of plies such that the set of plies comprises a first outer ply;
• form a modified tool path based upon a difference between a first set of measurements and expected measurements for the first outer ply if the difference exceeds a threshold, wherein the modified tool path matches the first set of measurements;
• and
• cause the composite placement machine to continue to lay up the set of plies on a surface of the first outer ply based on the modified tool path;
• measuring equipment configured to measure the surface of the first outer ply of the set of plies during formation of the composite structure to form the first set of measurements;
• and
• compaction equipment configured to apply heat and/or pressure to the first outer ply.

A machine configured to form a single build composite structure that comprises composite plies, such that the machine comprises:

• a composite placement machine configured to lay up the composite plies based on a tool path for the composite structure;
• measuring equipment configured to measure a plurality of intermediate surfaces of the composite plies during the layup of the composite plies and form a plurality of measurements;
• a computer that comprises a model for the composite structure and configured to control a tool path generator;
• and
• the tool path generator configured to form a modified tool path for the composite placement machine in response to a difference between a set of measurements in the plurality of measurements and expected measurements of an intermediate surface of the plurality of intermediate surfaces that exceeds a threshold, wherein the modified tool path matches the set of measurements;
• wherein the composite placement machine is further configured to continue laying up the composite plies on the intermediate surface of the plurality of intermediate surfaces based on the modified tool path.