CHASE 1.4 MFP "Smart Process Optimization and Digitalisation"

This multi-firm project, embedded in the living labs of the LIT Factory, will develop (i) analytical and numerical process models, (ii) optimize process parameters and control strategies and last but not least (iii) improve the overall efficiency and quality of the processes in every single subsystem of a production cell for tailored thermoplastic continuous fibre reinforced composites. This production cell consists of (a) a collaborative robot system for the tailored placement of UD tapes, (b) a heated press to consolidate the tape layers to preforms, (c) an infra-red (IR) oven to heat up the preforms prior to thermoforming in the injection mould and (d) an injection moulding machine to functionalize them to the final product. The handling between the subsystems (a) to (d) of the production cell is performed by robot system (e). The objectives of this project are strongly interconnected with MFP 1.3 “Smart Discontinuous Production of Fiber Reinforced Composite Structures”. Here, process models and digital twins are developed for each single production subsystems, while in MFP 1.3 these sub-models are used and integrated into digital twins of the whole production cell.