JEC 2024

Teijin Automotive Technologies (France) and partners Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG (PORSCHE) (Germany), AIRBORNE (Netherlands), PINETTE PEI (France)

Development of a fully automated process for supplying complex preforms designed to achieve crash performance requirements while reducing the amount of carbon fiber used. Integrated sensors and vision systems provide high accuracy.

Our process starts with highly precise cutting of patches and optimized nesting which is automatically adapted if a defect is detected. The robot stacks the plies and spot-welding stabilizes the 2D preforms. Each ply is scanned to ensure accurate placement, within 0.5 mm tolerance. The stacking is then heat-activated and consolidated prior to forming. Our proprietary 3D concept manages the proper holding of the various layers during the molding phase to ensure the final accuracy of the geometry and required thicknesses.

Key benefits

• Assembly of several free-form patches in 2D that are then 3D-formed in one step.
• Very accurate positioning of each layer using high-resolution vision systems.
• Fast, fully automated process ensures repeatability and optimum quality.
• The system is digitally controlled, all plies are scanned to ensure quality.
• Our unique process is highly flexible and compatible with all types of fibers