Automated system and method for forming a laminated structure

A method of forming a laminated structure, the method comprising steps of:

• orienting a first panel and a backing layer secured to the first panel into a backing-separation orientation relative to an edge-engagement tool, wherein the first panel is made of an uncured pre-impregnated fiber-reinforced polymer and the backing layer is secured to a first-panel broad surface of the first panel via a backing-to-panel tack force between the backing layer and the uncured pre-impregnated fiber-reinforced polymer of the first panel;
• positioning the first panel into a backing-separation position relative to the edge-engagement tool;
• moving the edge-engagement tool, relative to the first panel and when the first panel is in the backing-separation orientation and the backing-separation position, so that backing-engagement features of the edge-engagement tool engage the backing layer, at only an edge portion of the backing layer, and just the edge portion of the backing layer separates from the first panel;
• stacking the first panel onto a second panel, made of the uncured pre-impregnated fiber-reinforced polymer, such that the first panel is secured directly to the second panel via a panel-to-panel tack force between the uncured pre-impregnated fiber reinforced polymer of the first panel and the uncured pre-impregnated fiber-reinforced polymer of the second panel, and the first panel and the second panel form the laminated structure;
• compressing together and heating the first panel and the second panel after the first panel is stacked onto the second panel such that the uncured pre-impregnated fiber-reinforced polymer is cured;
• and
• after the step of compressing and heating the first panel and the second panel, applying a primer layer onto an outer surface of one of the first panel or the second panel and applying ink onto the primer layer.