Robotized manufacturing of structural composites (ROBOUST)

Purpose and goal

The project have through the development of automated systems and methods for forming and handling of sticky, limp carbon fiber materials reduced the manufacturing costs for carbon fiber based products. It has also, through the development of a test resource for pressformed materials made it possible for companies to verify material- and process parameters at an early stage of product design.

Expected results and effects

The test resource can reduce design time by making material and process data available early, but will also reduce the technical risk. The automated manufacturing methods and systems reduce manufacturing cost. Both of these results will aid in the implementation of carbon fiber composites in new products which in turn will help make transports, such as cars and airplanes, lighter and thus less energy will be required. Swedish composite manufacturer’s competitiveness is strengthened with the access to automation, as it will level the playing field with low cost labour countries.

Planned approach and implementation

The project developed methods which then has been realised through equipment. This in turn has been used in test to verify the methods. In some cases iterative development has been made, with several tests and prototypes in stages. This way of working has made it possible to raise the knowledge and technology maturity levels quite fast. The results and experiences have been shared with the project consortia in internal workshops, and with external parties in open seminars. A lot of the hardware that has been developed is available to use after the project even by non-project partners.