Automated Ceramic Matrix Composite Ply Layup
AssigneeGeneral Electric Company
InventorsRoger Lee Ken Matsumoto, Nitin Garg
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Methods for forming ceramic matrix composite (CMC) components are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a method comprises automatically laying up CMC plies. Laying up plies includes transferring a CMC ply to a layup tool; applying heat to the CMC ply; and stacking the CMC ply with at least one other CMC ply. In various embodiments, CMC plies may be laid up using an automated machine. In some embodiments, a CMC ply may be transferred to a layup tool using an automated machine and the CMC ply may be stacked with at least one other CMC ply using the automated machine.
Claims21
A method for forming a ceramic matrix composite (CMC) component, the method comprising:
- forming pieces of a pre-impregnated CMC tape;
- drying the pieces of the pre-impregnated CMC tape to produce CMC plies;
- and
- automatically laying up the CMC plies, wherein laying up the CMC plies includes
- transferring a CMC ply to a layup tool;
- applying heat to the CMC ply via the layup tool;
- and
- stacking the CMC ply with at least one other CMC ply.
(canceled)
A method for forming a ceramic matrix composite (CMC) component, the method comprising:
- laying up CMC plies using an automated machine, wherein laying up the CMC plies includes
- transferring a CMC ply to a layup tool;
- applying heat to the CMC ply via the layup tool;
- heating the CMC ply for a first period of time;
- stacking the CMC ply with at least one other CMC ply;
- and
- heating the stacked CMC plies for a second period of time, wherein the CMC plies are formed from pre-impregnated CMC tape.
A method for forming a ceramic matrix composite (CMC) component, the method comprising:
- forming CMC plies from pre-impregnated CMC tape and laying up CMC plies, wherein laying up CMC plies includes
- transferring a CMC ply to a layup tool using an automated machine;
- applying heat to the CMC ply via the layup tool;
- heating the CMC ply for a first period of time;
- stacking the CMC ply with at least one other CMC ply using the automated machine;
- and
- heating the stacked CMC plies for a second period of time.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.