Browse Topic: Factory automation

Items (124)
Find
Automating Tilt-Wing Aircraft: A Comprehensive FrameworkF-0081-2025-01055/20/2025
Dufour Aerospace designs and manufactures an automated tilt-wing aircraft for critical cargo delivery missions. Emphasizing operational efficiency, the platform integrates path generation and tracking techniques tailored for the unique dynamics of tilt-wing flight and builds upon the existing lower level control. While there exist a myriad of methods for high-level aircraft automation ranging from PID to MPC, they often require a trade-off between complexity and the capability to handle non-linear dynamics of the system they are controlling. Hence, a lightweight, deterministic geometric path generation approach using clothoid-based transitions between three waypoints and a robust SO(3)- based path tracking controller adapted for tilt-wing dynamics are presented. Additionally, a high-level automation framework is introduced that includes failure mode handling for GNSS loss and communication breakdowns. This system ensures mission continuity and operational safety while supporting
Cook, Jacob
High-Fidelity Digital Twin Autoclave for Quality Informed Composite FabricationF-0080-2024-11395/7/2024
The Autoclave processing is commonly used in manufacturing high-performance fibre-reinforced thermoset composite components in the aerospace industry. Variations in the cure cycle, sometimes even apparently minor deviations from the prescribed cure cycle, can harm the laminate properties. Given the costly and time-consuming autoclave manufacturing process, there is a strong need to cure the maximum number of parts in the shortest possible time without compromising quality. In order to achieve high-rate automated manufacturing with the optimized autoclave process, it is important to construct a digital twin modelling approach to mirror the physical composite curing process in the virtual domain based on the integration of high-fidelity multi-physics models. The resulting digital twin includes a thermal CFD model, a thermo-chemo-mechanical module, and an efficient and accurate block coupling between these two modules. The customized Abaqus driven by local and spatial variation of the
Lua, Jim, Phan, Nam, Guay, Ian, Yan, Jinhui, Karuppiah, Anand, Shrestha, Kalyan
Additive Manufacturing Automated Process Planning SoftwareTBMG-384782/1/2021
Additive manufacturing (AM) machinery has advanced over time; however, the necessary software for new machines often lags behind. To help mitigate this issue, researchers designed an automated process planning software to save money, time, and design resources.
Raising the Ergonomics Bar with Smart Electric ActuatorsTBMG-3814512/1/2020
Electric linear actuators have long delivered ergonomic benefits by automating tasks that are repetitive, dirty, or dangerous. Recently, the integration of onboard intelligence into electric actuators has raised their ergonomic contribution to a new level. Smart features such as digital motor control, position feedback, synchronization, and real-time monitoring make it even easier to apply automation to improve workplace comfort, safety, and efficiency.
Unsettled Issues on Human-Robot Collaboration and Automation in Aerospace ManufacturingEPR202002411/30/2020
This SAE EDGE™ Research Report builds a comprehensive picture of the current state-of-the-art of human-robot applications, identifying key issues to unlock the technology’s potential. It brings together views of recognized thought leaders to understand and deconstruct the myths and realities of human- robot collaboration, and how it could eventually have the impact envisaged by many.Current thinking suggests that the emerging technology of human-robot collaboration provides an ideal solution, combining the flexibility and skill of human operators with the precision, repeatability, and reliability of robots. Yet, the topic tends to generate intense reactions ranging from a “brave new future” for aircraft manufacturing and assembly, to workers living in fear of a robot invasion and lost jobs.It is widely acknowledged that the application of robotics and automation in aerospace manufacturing is significantly lower than might be expected. Reasons include product variability, size, design
Webb, Philip, Fletcher, Sarah
Diagnosing COVID-19: Anatomy of an LFI Test DeviceTBMG-3784710/1/2020
Every minute matters when an individual needs to know whether he or she has contracted COVID-19. Beyond social distancing and masks, COVID-19 testing solutions have an important role in preventing virus spread. By offering some certainty about the presence or absence of infection, diagnostic testing helps public health efforts to control the virus.
System Eases Networking Lag in Massive IoT DevicesTBMG-3782510/1/2020
The Internet of Things (IoT) spans from WiFi-connected home appliances, to manufacturing machines that use connected sensors to time tasks on an assembly line, to warehouses that rely on automation to manage inventory, to surgeons who can perform precise surgeries with robots. But for these applications, timing is everything — a lagging connection could have disastrous consequences.
Thin Film Electrodes Show Potential for Transforming NeurosurgeryTBMG-375949/1/2020
Advances in thin film technology could soon offer a less invasive and more cost-effective solution to enhance neurosurgery for people with neurological brain conditions, including epilepsy.
Capability-Driven Adaptive Task Distribution for Flexible Multi-Human-Multi-Robot (MH-MR) Manufacturing Systems2020-01-13034/14/2020
Collaborative robots are more and more used in smart manufacturing because of their capability to work beside and collaborate with human workers. With the deployment of these robots, manufacturing tasks are more inclined to be accomplished by multiple humans and multiple robots (MH-MR) through teaming effort. In such MH-MR collaboration scenarios, the task distribution among the multiple humans and multiple robots is very critical to efficiency. It is also more challenging due to the heterogeneity of different agents. Existing approaches in task distribution among multiple agents mostly consider humans with assumed or known capabilities. However human capabilities are always changing due to various factors, which may lead to suboptimal efficiency. Although some researches have studied several human factors in manufacturing and applied them to adjust the robot task and behaviors. However, the real-time modeling and calculation of multiple human capabilities and real-time adaptive task
Zhang, Shaobo, Jia, Yunyi
5G in Manufacturing: What’s Here and What’s to ComeTBMG-359672/1/2020
Industry 4.0 — the term that originated in Germany to describe the fourth industrial revolution of cyber-physical systems — is being closely connected today with 5G, which is often referred to as the fifth-generation mobile network. This connection allows manufacturers to further improve factory automation, human/machine interfaces, and mobility in their processes.
Unsettled Technology Domains in Robotics for Automation in Aerospace ManufacturingEPR201901012/20/2019
Cost reduction and increasing production rates are driving automation of aerospace manufacturing. Articulated serial robots may replace bespoke gantry automation or human operations. Improved accuracy is key to enabling operations such as machining, additive manufacturing (AM), composite fabrication, drilling, automated program development, and inspection. New accuracy standards are needed to enable process-relevant comparisons between robotic systems. Accuracy can be improved through calibration of kinematic and joint stiffness parameters, joint output encoders, adaptive control that compensates for thermal expansion, and feedforward control that compensates for hysteresis and external loads. The impact of datuming could also be significantly reduced through modeling and optimization. Highly dynamic end effectors compensate high-frequency disturbances using inertial sensors and reaction masses. Global measurement feedback is a high-accuracy turnkey solution, but it is costly and has
Muelaner, Jody
Automation: The Future of Medical ManufacturingTBMG-3536710/1/2019
Manufacturers in the medical industry face unique challenges in terms of product mix, throughput requirements, quality standards, and regulatory guidelines. Whether a company is developing imaging equipment, orthopedic implants, or diagnostics, the manufacturing process must be absolutely error free while delivering high throughput. Device companies are looking more and more to factory automation to ensure that they are addressing these disparate requirements.
Vision Sensors in Factory AutomationTBMG-345776/1/2019
There are a number of ways to extract data from a production line. In factory automation, sensors are used in work cells to gather data for inspection or to trigger other devices. These sensors fall into multiple categories – photoelectric, fiber optic, proximity, ultrasonic, and vision are the most common.
Industrial Blue LasersTBMG-344155/1/2019
Industrial lasers are integrated into manufacturing and fabrication facilities around the world. Every moment, there is an industrial laser somewhere that is cutting, etching, or welding. But the energy from traditional industrial lasers is not absorbed well by copper, so using them for copper processing has been slow and produced inferior quality.
MELD exploits plastic deformation of metals with non-melt AM process19TOFHP04_074/1/2019
Additive manufacturing (AM) has been a catalyst in improving speed and efficiency during the product development process. However, the technology has been limited in the size and materials available to be produced. MELD Manufacturing believes it has the remedy for these limitations, and it has garnered numerous accolades for its patented MELD process, including the 2018 “Create the Future” award in the Robotics/Automation/Manufacturing category. The design contest is produced by Tech Briefs Media Group. While additive manufacturing has thus far relied on melting materials to produce custom components, the MELD process does not require taking metals up to their melting points. Instead, materials are brought to their plastic deformation state and then formed into the desired shape. By not melting the materials, MELD believes it is taking additive manufacturing beyond just an evolutionary step.
Borst, Matthew
SUPPLIER EYE19AUTP01_071/1/2019
Welcome to 2019, a new year that's already brimming with challenges for mobility-industry suppliers. As they deal with escalating technology investments, unpredictable product-launch cadences, an influx of non-traditional competitors, extreme U.S. import tariffs, and other factors, most suppliers (and their OEM customers) are in a reactive mode to stabilize the bottom line. The tariffs-25% on steel and 10% on aluminum-have been a thorny issue since March 2018. According to IHS Markit, the Steel Producer Price Index in September 2018 was up over 22% year over year, significantly impacting material economics for this metals-intensive industry. Exposure to such unplanned economic price hikes depends upon who is the importer of record, as well as whether or not they're participating in OEM material resale programs.
Robinet, Michael
SAE Eye on Engineering: Factory Automation Marches On1240612/20/2018
The impact of automation in the auto industry marches on. In this episode of SAE Eye on Engineering, Editor-in-Chief Lindsay Brooke looks at the increase of automation on the plant floor. SAE Eye on Engineering also airs Monday mornings on WJR 760 AM Detroit's Paul W. Smith Show.
2018 Create the Future Design Contest: Robotics/Automation/Manufacturing Category WinnerTBMG-3331611/1/2018
Motion Control in Factories: Choosing the Right SolutionTBMG-3307610/1/2018
The need for Ethernet-based communication within the factory has grown over the past 10 years. Detailed information about the tasks and performance of machines at every stage is critical to productivity. As capabilities have expanded from performance reporting to predictive maintenance warnings and beyond, the need to connect multiple controllers within the same machine and elsewhere in the factory has also grown.
Collaborative Robots Fill Automation Gaps For Medical Device ManufacturersTBMG-3308310/1/2018
When small and mid-sized medical device manufacturers envision a robot, many think of either huge industrial robots working in fenced-off areas in large factories or futuristic cyberbots mimicking human behavior. But between these two scenarios lies a new emerging reality: A class of robots dubbed collaborative robots — or simply cobots — are bridging the gap between fully manual assembly and fully automated manufacturing lines. This new technology is filling automation gaps for larger manufacturers that have processes that couldn't be cost-effectively automated in the past and is bringing the advantages of automation within reach for even small, specialty manufacturers.
Sensing the Future of PneumaticsTBMG-290036/1/2018
Some species of sharks must constantly swim to keep water flowing over their gills to stay alive. That same concept also tends to apply to technology — once a technology stops evolving and moving forward, it's on its way to extinction. Fortunately for those responsible for designing and maintaining the pneumatic systems found throughout industrial environments, new sensing and data communications solutions are making pneumatics smarter and simpler to integrate into the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). The future of pneumatics will be linked with the expansion of smart sensing technology. Cost-effective sensing and information processing equipment is now becoming part of all types of fluid power equipment, from connectors, tubing, and hoses, to pneumatic cylinders, actuators, and filters.
Medical Equipment Enclosures: Automated Manufacturing Improves Quality, Speed of ProductionTBMG-286814/1/2018
Most medical diagnostic and testing equipment involves some type of enclosure, cart, or cabinet that serves as a user workstation or protects sensitive electronics, controls, and hardware. Although not as sophisticated as the actual diagnostic device itself, these enclosures are nevertheless critical to the use and overall service life of the finished product.
Cobots and Industrial Robots Choose the Right Robot for the JobTBMG-288094/1/2018
Automating manufacturing processes is a complex issue, with no one-size-fits-all solution. Robots range from insect-like microrobots to industrial robots powerful enough to move automotive chassis or airplanes. Toward the lower end of the spectrum is a class of robots referred to as collaborative robots (or cobots) because they are designed to share a workspace with human workers.
Diagnostics Manufacturing: Strategies for OutsourcingTBMG-286794/1/2018
When new assays or diagnostic tests are ready for commercialization, there can be tremendous hurdles to overcome, including significant investment in the infrastructure for automated manufacturing and test equipment and hiring and retaining highly trained personnel, as well as implementing high-end quality management systems. In addition, FDA, ISO, GMP, and other approvals or certifications may be required. This article examines the requirements for manufacturing these complex diagnostics as well as the critical factors to consider when selecting a manufacturer.
Strengthening Data Cabling for Next-Generation Motion Control ApplicationsTBMG-283482/1/2018
The wide variety of industrial applications each independently calls for a level of robustness from the physical (PHY) layer, all the way up to applications. Time sensitive networking (TSN) algorithms are paramount to industrial automation and process control, while resistance to harsh chemicals is critical in mining, chemical, and petrochemical industries.
2017 Create the Future Design Contest: Machinery Category WinnerTBMG-2779011/1/2017
Ultra-Thin Force-Sensitive Resistors Enable Greater Command of Robotic ManufacturingTBMG-2774010/1/2017
Every product endures a complex manufacturing journey that begins at assembly and ends at delivery. Especially in robotic manufacturing operations, this journey often involves programming a multifaceted, meticulously calculated sequence of manufacturing touch points to be executed in a precise order.
Electromagnetic Actuator Decouples Linear and Rotary MotionsTBMG-2773410/1/2017
A lightweight module for rapid, accurate, and versatile positioning of semiconductor chips features a novel electromechanical actuator that can move objects both linearly and rotationally. The technology was developed by researchers at the A*STAR Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology (A*STAR SIMTech) and National University of Singapore (SIMTech-NUS) Joint Lab.
Fully Automated Off-Line Cartridge Filling Station2017-01-21009/19/2017
A fully automated off-line cartridge filling station has been commissioned to support the new Boeing SAL production cell. The filing station uses automated fastener feed technology that is typically found on the machines themselves. Incorporating this technology off-line in place of the traditional manual handling processes extends the benefits of automation beyond the main manufacturing cell. A single operator is able to keep up with the demand of eight production fastening machines while maintaining the highest levels of accuracy and quality. Additional benefits to this application of automation include reduction of the operators exposure to risks associated with manual handling and repetitive tasks.
Boad, Carter L.
True Mobile/Portable Drilling and Machining, a Paradigm Shift in Manufacturing2017-01-20849/19/2017
The evolving Aerospace manufacturing environment has created challenges that until now are not achievable with standard machine tools, large monumental gantry style machines and robots, or even manually operations. The solution is a lightweight, mobile/portable, and modular PKM (Parallel Kinematics Machine) solution, capable of machining to high tolerances, with minimal time and effort to relocate to a different area, at an affordable price With the carbon fiber PKM module mounted on a mobile platform, the module can simply be relocated using a standard pallet mover or forklift, to all areas in a factory. The module can also be removed from the mobile platform by two people, and mounted in a desired location and in any orientation “in hours”. The modularity of the PKM does not only make it possible to move it around in different production areas, but also makes it possible to reconstruct in an area that is not typically accessible by machines or robots. Acting as a mobile machine tool
Neumann, Karl-Erik
Modular and Open Test Bench Architecture for Distributed Testing2017-01-21179/19/2017
Currently, aircraft system Test Benches are often proprietary systems, specifically designed and configured for a dedicated System Under Test (SUT). Today, no standards for configuration, data communication, and data exchange formats are available for avionics Test Benches. This leads to high Test Bench development costs and redundant activities between aircraft system suppliers and airframers. In the case of obsolescence issues for test system components, it is very costly to replace the respective parts as a high integration and reconfiguration effort is required. In the scope of an R&T project, involving several test system suppliers and aircraft system suppliers as well as Airbus as an aircraft manufacturer, a generic and modular architecture for an open test environment is under development. A further goal of the Virtual and Hybrid Testing Next Generation (VHTNG) research project is to prepare a set of open standards for the interfaces to this architecture. The modular
Martinen, Dirk H., Lagalaye, Marc, Pfefferkorn, Julien, Casteres, Jean
Ruggedization of Imaging LensesTBMG-272277/1/2017
Imaging lenses used in many industrial machine vision applications have special requirements beyond those of standard imaging lenses. The lenses used in factory automation, robotics, and industrial inspection have to work in specific and demanding environments, which could involve vibrations, shocks, temperature changes, and contaminants. Because of these environmental requirements, new classes of ruggedized lenses are being designed specifically to work in a multitude of different scenarios, therefore creating different types of ruggedization. There are three distinct types of ruggedization available: industrial ruggedization, ingress protection ruggedization, and stability ruggedization.
Drilling Material Stacks: Can it be both automated and affordable?SN-00016/26/2017
Automating a manufacturing process often comes with substantial investment or sustained operational costs of complex subsystems. But, by reducing complexity and using technologically mature components, it is possible to develop viable scaled and robust automated solutions. For the past several years, aerospace manufacturers have endeavored to automate manufacturing processes as much as possible for both production efficiencies and competitive advantage. Automating processes like drilling, fastening, sealing, painting, and composite material production have reaped a wide range of benefits; from improving quality and productivity to lowering worker ergonomic risks. The results have improved supply chains from small component manufacturers all the way up to airframe assemblers. That said, automation can be very expensive, and difficult to introduce when a product is anywhere beyond the beginning of its life cycle. In this Solution Notes, engineers address those two challenges with a mix
High Performance Motion Control Without a Foundation For Fuselage Fastening Automation2016-01-21039/27/2016
This technical paper details an optimized Drivmatic machine design delivered to a Tier 1 aero structure supplier to automate drilling and installation of rivets, hi-loks, lockbolts & swage collars for individual fuselage panel assemblies with high throughput & strict quality requirements. While certain robot solutions continue to be explored for specific applications at many Tier 1 aero structure suppliers, robot payload capacity has limitations beyond certain criteria, which often times point towards an alternative machine design as in this case study. A typical approach for adding more automation is to allocate shop floor space based on the solution’s foot print, however contrary to most approaches this solution had to be designed to fit within a pre-determined factory footprint over a geographic location with a high water table that would not permit a foundation. GEMCOR was therefore challenged to deliver a CNC automatic fastening solution with high-speed motion control technology
Barton, Eric
End-Effector for Automatic Shimming of Composites2016-01-21119/27/2016
Gaps in composite structures are a risky factor in aeronautical assemblies. For mechanically joined composite components, the geometrical conformance of the part can be problematic due to undesired or unknown re-distribution of loads within a composite component, with these unknowns being potentially destructive. To prevent unnecessary preloading of a metallic structure, and the possibility of cracking and delamination in a composite structure, it is important to measure all gaps and then shim any gaps greater than 127 microns. A strategy to overcome the high relative tolerances for assemblies lies in the automated manufacturing of shims for the gaps previously predicted through the evaluation of their volumes via a simulation tool. This paper deals with the development of a special end-effector prototype to enable the shimming of gaps in composites structures using a pre-processed geometry. The aim of this end-effector is to provide movement to a temperature controlled hot-end in
Antolin-Urbaneja, Juan Carlos, Livinalli, Juan, Puerto, Mildred, Liceaga, Mikel, Rubio, Antonio, San-Roman, Angel, Goenaga, Igor
Automated FML Manufacturing for Aircraft Fuselages2016-01-21129/27/2016
As a new material FML, made by aluminum foils and Glasfiber-Prepreg, is a real alternative to common materials for fuselages of aircrafts like monolithic aluminum or CFRP. Since experiences within A380 this material has some really good advantages and develops to the status as alternative to aluminum and composite structures. To become FML as a real alternative to aluminum and carbon structures there are many things to improve: design, material, costs and process chain. So following one of the main goals for an industrial application for high production rates of aircrafts is the automation of production processes inside the process chain for FML-parts like skins and panels for fuselages. To reach this goal for high production rates first steps of automation inside this new process chain have been developed in the last two years. Main steps is the automated lay-up of metallic foils and Glasfiber-Prepreg. Over this there are some more steps within positioning of i.e. stringers and
Apmann, Hilmar
A Methodology for Increasing the Efficiency and Coverage of Model Checking and its Application to Aerospace Systems2016-01-20539/20/2016
Formal Methods, and in particular Model Checking, are seeing an increasing use in the Aerospace domain. In recent years, Formal Methods are now commonly used to verify systems and software and its correctness as a way to augment traditional methods relying on simulation and testing. Recent updates to the relevant Aerospace regulations (e.g. DO178C, DO331 and DO333) now have explicit provisions for utilization of models and formal methods. At the system level, Model Checking has seen more limited uses due to the complexity and abstractions needed. In this paper we propose several methods to increase the capability of applying Model Checking to complex Aerospace Systems. An aircraft electrical power system is used to highlight the methodology. Automated model-based methods such as Cone of Influence and Timer Abstractions are described. Results of those simplifications, in combination with traditional Assume-Guarantee approaches will be shown for the Electric Power System application.
Ferrante, Orlando, Scholte, Eelco, Pinello, Claudio, Ferrari, Alberto, Mangeruca, Leonardo, Liu, Cong, Sofronis, Christos
Flexibility of LVIT Technology in Factory Automation ApplicationsTBMG-370548/2/2016
What is a Linear Variable Inductive Transducer (LVIT) and where are they used? LVITs, which have been around for more than 30 years, are relatively low-cost, contactless position sensing devices that utilize eddy currents developed by an inductor in the surface of a conductive movable element that is mechanically coupled to the moving object whose position is being measured.
An Overview of the Most Popular Rotary Motion TechnologiesTBMG-250077/1/2016
The ability to provide accurate rotary motion is critical in a wide range of applications in the automation equipment, medical device, machine tool, energy, welding, robotics, automotive, aerospace, semiconductor, and heavy equipment industries, as well as many others.
Electrical and Mechanical Interface Characteristics and Line Control Protocol Using Communication Control Characters for Serial Data Link Between a Direct Numerical Control System and Numerical Control Equipment Employing Asynchronous Full Duplex TransmissionEIA484A (Current)5/31/2016
This standard specifies services whose architecture can be described in the context of the physical layer architecture (1) and the data link layer architecture (2) of the ISO Open Systems Interconnection Basic Reference Model - ISO 7498.
Systems Management Council
A Framework for Collaborative Robot (CoBot) Integration in Advanced Manufacturing Systems2016-01-03374/5/2016
Contemporary manufacturing systems are still evolving. The system elements, layouts, and integration methods are changing continuously, and ‘collaborative robots’ (CoBots) are now being considered as practical industrial solutions. CoBots, unlike traditional CoBots, are safe and flexible enough to work with humans. Although CoBots have the potential to become standard in production systems, there is no strong foundation for systems design and development. The focus of this research is to provide a foundation and four tier framework to facilitate the design, development and integration of CoBots. The framework consists of the system level, work-cell level, machine level, and worker level. Sixty-five percent of traditional robots are installed in the automobile industry and it takes 200 hours to program (and reprogram) them. Integrating CoBots has the potential to enhance the abilities of both the robotic and human actors within the system, improving process efficiencies, and adapting to
Djuric, Ana M., Urbanic, R.J., Rickli, J.L.
Getting It Right with CompositesTBMG-222956/1/2015
"Composite design and analysis is a highly integrated activity,” said Chris Gear, Chief Technology Officer & Senior Technical Fellow for GKN Aerospace. He noted that how composite material is placed, how it moves, how it cures, and the quality and conformance of the product are all interrelated. All of these factors are considered in the final release of the data for manufacturing, according to him, aided by design-for-manufacturing (DFM).
Composites design optimization for automated fiber placement15MEIP03_033/1/2015
Coriolis Composites and SAFRAN Aircelle worked together on a thrust reverser component demonstrator made with carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) material and an AFP process. Complex composites structures are becoming more common, especially in aeronautics. Composites preforms can now be manufactured by automated processes, such as automated fiber placement (AFP) and automated tape laying (ATL), to achieve the expected production volumes. The AFP process is the most interesting since it can address complex double-curvature layup surfaces with good productivity rates and low material scrap, according to Coriolis Software. The main advantages of this technology are that material can be steered to address the problem of curvature, and fiber angular deviation from the engineering rosette can be easily managed. This opens interesting possibilities to optimize the design of composites structures and to change the current traditional “black metal” approach of design offices.
Composites Design Optimization for Automated Fiber Placement Process2014-01-22619/16/2014
Today, the design and optimization of complex 3D composites structures is managed by taking into account engineering and manufacturing constraints. If the manufacturing process is automated, especially using a robot, these constraints are particularly complex and a difficult compromise needs to be reached. Most of the technology available on the market, dedicated to automated processes offline programming, neglects some of these constraints, or can only highlight the manufacturing defects without any automatic or manual tools to solve the tape course programming issues. A new innovative approach has been developed to include engineering, material and process specifications, to help designers and NC programmers to optimize the final layup program in terms of structural properties and productivity rate. An aerospace case study using the automated fiber placement (AFP) process will be presented to highlights these offline programming capabilities.
Blanchard, Yvan
Selecting the Proper Motor for Linear Motion ApplicationsTBMG-204199/1/2014
Linear motion systems are found inside countless machines including precision laser cutting systems, laboratory automation equipment, semiconductor fabrication machines, CNC machines, factory automation, and many others too numerous to list. They range from the relatively simple such as an inexpensive seat actuator in a passenger vehicle, to a complex, multi-axis coordinate system complete with control and drive electronics for closed-loop positioning. No matter how simple or complex the linear motion system, at the most basic level, they all have one thing in common: moving a load through a linear distance in a specific amount of time.
Automated Manufacture of Continuous Multi-Ply Carbon Fiber/Epoxy Resin Impregnated BroadgoodsARP1674A (Current)8/14/2014
This document describes a manufacturing method for processing unidirectional carbon fiber/epoxy resin impregnated sheet and tape into multi-ply broadgoods and tape produced on an automated cross-plying machine. Broadgoods or tape of two or more ply configurations may be processed, where ply orientations of 0°, 45°, 90°, and 135° (as examples) may be automatically layed in a programmed sequence. In all configurations, the 0° ply direction is parallel to the length of the broadgoods roll or sheet, or tape.
AMS P17 Polymer Matrix Composites Committee
Modeling and Validation of Rapid Prototyping Related Available Workspace2014-01-07514/1/2014
Path planning and re-planning for serial 6 degree of freedom (DOF) robotic systems is challenging due to complex kinematic structure and application conditions which affects the robot's tool frame position, orientation and singularity avoidance. These three characteristics represent the key elements for production planning and layout design of the automated manufacturing systems. The robot trajectory represents series of connected points in 3D space. Each point is defined with its position and orientation related to the robot's base frames or predefined user frame. The robot will move from point to point using the desired motion type (linear, arc, or joint). The trajectory planning requires first to check if robot can reach the selected part(s). This can be simply done by placing the part(s) inside the robot's work envelope. The robot's work envelope represents a set of all robots' reachable points without considering their orientation. To visualize the robot's work envelope many
Arachchige, Prabath, Abderrahmane, Mohamed, Djuric, Ana M.
Frame Grabber Deployed in Robomotive Humanoid RobotTBMG-194663/1/2014
Robomotive and other humanoid robots equipped with 3D vision sensors are playing an increasing role in industrial automation, including in smaller binpicking set-ups where parts are constantly changing.
Temperature Considerations When Specifying LVDT Linear Position SensorsTBMG-1875012/1/2013
The LVDT linear position sensor can operate successfully over a wide range of temperatures, depending upon its design and the application in which it is operating. While the output of the LVDT linear position sensor is not immune to temperature variation, proper design and construction for environmental effects can produce a sensor that provides a relatively stable, highly linear output over a wide temperature range. Depending upon materials and construction techniques, modern LVDT linear position sensors can be built to withstand temperature extremes from -195 to +600 °C.
Ethernet in the Embedded SpaceTBMG-1773011/1/2013
Networking originated from the need to share information. Many of us accomplish such a thing on a daily basis through conversation. For example, think about the typical office framework: you work side-by-side with your colleagues, but also have a manager who will check on the work being produced periodically. You have both peer-to-peer and supervisory communication taking place.
Items per page:
1 – 50 of 124