Automatic Compaction Device for Composite Panel Production at Layup Process: A Case Study

摘要

The purpose of this paper is to design a new concept of an automatic compaction device for composite panel production at layup process in one of the aircraft composite panel manufacturers in Malaysia, known as Company A. The current compaction process in company A requires an implementation of an effective and automatic vacuum bagging/compaction process to replace the current manual way method. The objective is to implement an automatic device to be integrated with the current method in order to make it simpler and more efficient for the operators to do the compaction process. This method could avoid human error in compaction timer hence reducing completed panel defect rate. Vacuum bagging/compaction process is a very important process to consolidate the laminates into a composite. Hence it is important for the precision of vacuum pressure and timing for the compaction process. The automatic device is designed to do the compaction process according to the timer automatically. The approach of designing this device is to use timer and solenoid valve to control the vacuum and a timer with a microcontroller. This device implementation will also reduce the steps of compaction process compared to the current way of doing so in Company A. In addition, it is believed to reduce the redundancy of work of the operators and increase multitasking of the operator and yield of composite panel produced by the company.