FASEP? ULTRA-Automated Analysis of fibre length distribution in glass-fibre-reinforced products

摘要

Reinforced plastic materials are widely used in high sophisticated applications. The length distribution of the fibresinfluences the mechanical properties of the final product.A method for automatic determination of this length distribution was developed. After separating the fibres out of thecomposite material without any damage, and preparing them for microscopical analysis, a mosaic of microscope picturesis taken. After image processing and analysis with mathematical methods, a complete statistic of the fibre lengthdistribution could be determined.A correlation between fibre length distribution and mechanical properties, measured e.g. with material test methods, liketensile and impact tests, was found.This is a method to optimize the process and selection of material for the plastic parts. In result this enhances customersatisfaction and, maybe much more important, reduces costs for the manufacturer.