Device for cutting to size and handling a substantially extensive blank from a cfk semi-finished product and method

A device for cutting to size and handling a substantially planar blank from a planar CFRP semi-finished product positioned on a cutting table and cut to size, the device comprising:

• a cutter having a cutting edge or a blade to separate the blank from the CFRP semi-finished product;
• a movable vacuum effector configured to be movable toward and away from the planar blank to raise the partially separated or completely separated blank by suction above a measuring height;
• at least one blank electrode;
• at least one peripheral electrode, wherein the at least one peripheral electrode and the at least one blank electrode are arranged on the same side of the CFRP semi-finished product;
• a voltage source;
• and
• a measuring device,
• the at least one blank electrode being configured to be movable to be brought into contact with the blank and the at least one peripheral electrode being configured to be movable to be brought into contact with a peripheral portion of the CFRP-semi-finished product which is separated or separate from the blank by the cutter and the at least two electrodes are connected to a voltage source for applying a current to the electrodes and to the measuring device for measuring a current flowing between the at least two electrodes, the measuring device being configured to detect a complete separation of the blank from the CFRP semi-finished product,
• wherein the at least two electrodes, the voltage source, the measuring device and the uncut CFRP semi-finished product form a closed electrical circuit at least in a lowered state of the vacuum effector,
• wherein a current which is greater than 0 mA can be increased by the voltage source for a short time up to a maximum value upon the blank reaching the measuring height, in order to produce in an automated manner the complete separation of the blank from the CFRP semi-finished product by the melting of unsevered carbon fiber bridges, and
• wherein the vacuum effector is configured to raise the completely separated blank above the measuring height, positions it and delivers it to a mould in an RTM process.