Arenaproject_ Nov 2015_Compraser_Gripper

Purpose and goal

The project goal was to develop a method to automate the removal of protective plastic from prepregs (preimpregnated carbon fiber). Such materials are sticky and limp and during manual layup/manufacturing the removal of the protective films is time consuming. Swerea SICOMP participates in the project along with CarboComp, and since the latter is a small company (a so called SME), the developed method should be suited for an SME. This means for example that it should be cost-efficient for low volume manufacturing but still meet standard quality demands set on composite manufacturing.

Expected results and effects

The project developed a prototype with the capability to break the adhesive bond between the protective plastic and the prepreg, so that the plastic was easy to remove. A fully industrialized and/or commercialized product based on the method/prototype would make it available for a large body of SMEs, making Swedish manufacturers more competitive on a global market, especially when it comes to the labor intense hand layup process. The method can also be part of a fully automated manufacturing system.

Planned approach and implementation

During the project several different methods for breaking the bond between protective film/plastic and the prepreg was studied through physical tests. These where analyzed, and the conclusions drawn where used to build a prototype. The prototype is now at CarboComp for long term testing, and the result from this will be used for any further development made or as a basis for formulating further research/development projects.