Avoiding defects in manufacturing processes: A review for automated CFRP production

Linear robots, numerically controlled machines and articulated robots are some of the major components in automation. In various applications, these single systems are linked together to become advanced mechatronic systems since they can realize special and general tasks. Unfortunately, the degree of automation in carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) manufacturing is currently rather low. A lot of research still needs to be done in order to achieve the knowledge necessary to gain a consistent, robust and reliable production chain for CFRP. The most decisive criterion in automation is the tradeoff between speed in production and the attainable layup accuracy. One aspect that affects accuracy is vibration caused by rapid movement and interaction forces. In the case of advanced mechatronic systems, the effect of the dynamic coupling is one key factor in accuracy. Over the last few decades, the field of active vibration suppression has made use of its excellent capability to improve the accuracy of machines. Therefore, the paper presents a comprehensive review of active vibration suppression technology for the improvement of precision in manufacturing. The work is mainly focused on, but not limited to, the production of components made of CFRP. The paper concludes with a discussion of promising approaches to identify a trend for future work. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.