Fiber Placement Interface

Providing a Seamless Link Between the 3D CAD Model and the Software that Programs Fiber Placement Machines

Fiber placement machines combine the advantages of filament winding, contour tape laying, and computer control to automate the production of complex composite parts that conventionally require extensive hand layup. Fiber placement machines can reduce costs, cycle times, and manual rework of physical composite plies, but creating data to drive these machines has traditionally been tedious and error-prone.

With FiberSIM Fiber Placement Interface software, engineers can automatically generate fiber placement data files within their CAD software systems directly from the 3D model of a composite part. This significantly increases engineering productivity, eliminates errors, and makes it easy to accommodate changes and optimize designs.

FiberSIM Fiber Placement Interface software enables engineers to import path planning post-processing data, including course centerlines and boundary information. The FiberSIM Fiber Placement Interface enables users to validate that the manufactured part meets design requirements by allowing them to review the imported post-processing manufacturability data, including fiber angle deviation, radius of curvature, roller height, and collision avoidance angle. The ability to review for manufacturability allows for design changes that maximize production rate, part performance, and cost.

The FiberSIM Fiber Placement Interface helps engineers:

• Quickly translate the composite part design and layup process definition to native MAG ACE V2 format, including:
  • Surfaces – tool and intermediate layup
  • Plies – boundaries (including FiberSIM ADD design for manufacturing features), material, orientation, and start point
  • Machine positioning/alignment – using shaft, frame, and multipoint alignment methods
  • Processes – feed rate, temperature, pressure, coverage, and tow tension
• Reduce the risk of errors by maintaining the digital thread between design and manufacturing
• Maximize production rate by ensuring that the design is capable of being manufactured.

For complete information, please download the product brochure.