FibreFORM®

High rate automated layup for composites. Modular and scalable.

Complex forms made simple

FibreFORM is a pioneering 3D, conformal pick and place end effector that uses high flow vacuum generator grippers to deliver layup of large-format composite plies with precision into a geometrically complex moulds, without damaging the material.

It is applicable to both dry fibre and pre-preg, with the capacity to manipulate plies up to 20 metres in length into 3D double curvatures with concave, convex and omega profiles. It is used in the manufacture of a variety of composites including aerostructures such as wing skins, nacelles, fairings and wing tips.

Key capabilities

POWERFUL SOFTWARE

Capable of reading CAD data, profiling the surface, and automatically generating an appropriate gripper configuration.

PRECISE AND ACCURATE

This system is highly precise which means a radical change in production efficiency. Positional repeatability of < ± 2mm.

UNCONSTRAINED BY PLANE

The system can operate in fully horizontal and vertical planes, or a combination of both. It will even operate inverted if the deployment system permits.

MODULAR AND SCALABLE

Multiple modules can be arranged in parallel, enabling the construction of impressive systems capable of laying up wing skins.

Technical specification

Minimum Pickable Area	400 mm x 1500mm
Maximum Pickable Area	2000mm x 20,000mm
Surface Complexity	Fifth order polynomial in X and Y directions
Minimum Segment Radius	200mm
X Gripper Density: (minimum 3)	Mod (Pickable Length / 160) + 1
Y Gripper Density: (maximum 10)	Mod (Pickable width / 160) + 1
Number of Grippers	X Gripper density x Y Gripper density
Gripper Technology	40mm vacuum others available by request
Positional Repeatability	< +/- 2mm
Total Mass (per 3×10 module)	200kg including support frame
Operational Plane	Horizontal (normal operation) Vertical, Inverted (application specific)