The Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation – University of Tennessee (IACMI-UT) has commissioned an Automated Tape Placement (ATP) system at its Knoxville facility, significantly enhancing integrated manufacturing capabilities in East Tennessee.
Automated tape placement laying up C/PEEK tape
This state-of-the-art ATP system features:
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A Trelleborg Automated Dynamics 6-axis Kawasaki Model ZZX130LD CNC Robot
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Dual-material feeding system for both thermoplastic tape and thermoset tow-pregs
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Advanced compaction roller head technology
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Flexible mandrel accommodation (cylindrical, flat, asymmetrical)
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CAD interface compatibility with additive manufactured mandrels
The system processes advanced materials including:
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Carbon/Polypropylene (C/PP)
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Glass/Polypropylene (G/PP)
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Carbon/Polyether ether ketone (C/PEEK)
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Carbon/Epoxy (C/Epoxy) composites
Applications & Impact:
The ATP system will support:
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Aerospace component manufacturing
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Defense applications
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High-performance automotive parts
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Infrastructure and power transmission solutions
Contact:
Dr. Uday Vaidya: uvaidya@iacmi.org