Design of a handling device for composite ply lay-up automation

Discusses the development of an essential core element of a technically viable automated propeller preform lay-up cell, an effective gripper device. The success of the gripper development programme has hinged upon the application of a structured design approach encompassing: an analysis of the existing manual lay-up process, as well as both front and back end operations; an adaptation of the existing lay-up process to make it easier to automate; an analysis of the handling properties of plies to be laid-up; a comprehensive conceptual design investigation; and the manufacture and operational trial of a half scale prototype gripper unit. The full scale gripper unit, which has evolved from the structured design programme, offers complete operational capability and long term flexibility, combined with low mass and minimal control requirements.<>