VERICUT Composites Programming (VCP) reads CAD surfaces and ply boundary information and adds material to fill the plies according to user-specified manufacturing standards and requirements. Layup paths are then linked together to form specific layup sequences and output as NC programs for the automated layup machine.
VERICUT Fiber Placement Programming Process:
Reads CATIA, STEP, Siemens NX, Pro E, Creo, SolidWorks, or ACIS surface models.
Reads Fibersim, CATIA STEP, or SAT external ply geometry and information
Creates Geometry within VCP
Generates layup paths based on manufacturing engineering specifications
Visualizes roller orientation
Links paths to create form layup sequences
Post-processes linked paths
Optimizes the quality process
Calculates and balances material usage
Checks material conformance
Analyzes gaps, overlaps and staggers
Excerpt from: Roadmap to Automated Composites
By: Charles B. Anderton, André Colvin
CGTech Implementing automated composites requires a significant capital investment, alongside a steep learning curve. The expenditure in both cost and time inhibit many manufactures from instituting automation, despite the clear advantages. This paper will define important terminology, provide a business case for adopting automated composites, and point out considerations when deciding upon a machine. By shedding light onto these specific considerations, informed and successful steps can be taken to implement this constantly evolving technology.