Dual-axis method and machine for producing pre-preg
OwnerWilliam F. Prattinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An improved method for the manufacturing of wavy pre-preg material that moves a first group of rollers in a transverse and a longitudinal direction with respect to a second group of rollers, to place a sinuous waveform in a fiber reinforced matrix for the manufacture of a wavy pre-preg material. The fabrication of wavy fiber pre-preg (fibers pre-impregnated with epoxy resin as an example) can be accomplished with an automated control system that permits the creation of non-periodic or mixed waveforms. The improved apparatus for this process allows for a more accurate placement of fibers, production of a wider variety of usable waveforms, and increased quality of pre-preg produced.
Claims18
A method of fabricating an impregnated material comprising the steps of:
- a. Passing a plurality of fibers between a first group of at least two rollers, said rollers contacting said plurality of fibers therebetween for moving same along a positive longitudinal direction,
- b. Then passing said plurality of fibers to a second group of at least two rollers, said rollers contacting said plurality of fibers therebetween for moving same along said positive longitudinal direction,
- c. Relatively moving at least one of said first and second groups of rollers, in both a positive and negative longitudinal direction as well as a positive and negative transverse direction while each of said first and second groups of rollers contact said plurality of fibers thereby moving said plurality of fibers generally in a curve relative to said positive longitudinal direction while keeping said first and second groups of rollers substantially parallel to each other such that relative transverse motion between said first group and said second group tends to create with said fibers a waveform approximating a desired waveform and relative longitudinal motion between said first group and said second group maintains a more uniform tension on said fibers than would exist with only relative transverse motion between said first group and said second group in order to minimize deviations from the desired waveform in the waveform produced by said first group and said second group, and
- d. Applying a matrix to said fibers as said fibers pass proximate said second groups of rollers.
A method of fabricating an impregnated material comprising the steps of:
- a. Passing a plurality of fibers between a first group of at least two rollers, said rollers contacting said plurality of fibers therebetween for moving same along a positive longitudinal direction,
- b. Then passing said plurality of fibers to a second group of at least two rollers, said rollers contacting said plurality of fibers therebetween for moving same along said positive longitudinal direction,
- c. Relatively moving at least one of said first and second groups of rollers, in both a positive and negative longitudinal direction as well as a positive and negative transverse direction while each of said first and second groups of rollers contact said plurality of fibers thereby moving said plurality of fibers generally in a curve relative to said positive longitudinal direction while keeping said first and second groups of rollers substantially parallel to each other such that relative transverse motion between said first group and said second group tends to create with said fibers a waveform approximating a desired waveform and relative longitudinal motion between said first group and said second group maintains a more uniform tension on said fibers than would exist with only relative transverse motion between said first group and said second group in order to minimize deviations from the desired waveform in the waveform produced by said first group and said second group,
- d. Applying a resin matrix to said fibers as said fibers pass proximate said second groups of rollers and,
- e. Positioning a viscoelastic material adjacent said fibers.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.