The present disclosure is directed to an apparatus for manufacturing a composite component. The apparatus includes a mold onto which the composite component is formed. The mold is disposed within a grid defined by a first axis and a second axis. The apparatus further includes a first frame assembly disposed above the mold, and a plurality of machine heads coupled to the first frame assembly within the grid in an adjacent arrangement along the first axis. At least one of the mold or the plurality of machine heads is moveable along the first axis, the second axis, or both. At least one of the machine heads of the plurality of machine heads is moveable independently of one another along a third axis.

An intelligent automatic mold-exchanging system and an intelligent automatic mold-exchanging method are provided. The system include a mold storage unit, a mold assembly and disassembly unit, a mold temporary storage unit, a temporary storage mold pick-and-place unit, a plurality of processing machines, a plurality of mold position preparation units, an exchange mold pick-and-place unit, and a central control unit. The central control unit is electrically connected to the mold storage unit, the mold assembly and disassembly unit, the mold temporary storage unit, the temporary storage mold pick-and-place unit, the processing machines, the mold position preparation units, and the exchange mold pick-and-place unit. The mold storage unit, the mold assembly and disassembly unit, the mold temporary storage unit, the temporary storage mold pick-and-place unit, the processing machines, the mold position preparation units, and the exchange mold pick-and-place unit are disposed on a same production line.

Various embodiments relate to a system for the production of fiber composite components, having at least a first fiber placement machine for the application of fiber layers to a workpiece, and a further processing station, distinct from the fiber placement machine, for the modification of the workpiece, wherein the workpiece can be brought both to the fiber placement machine and to the further processing station by means of an automated conveyor means. Various additional embodiments are also disclosed herein.

Various embodiments relate to a system for the production of fiber composite components, having at least a first fiber placement machine for the application of fiber layers to a workpiece, and a further processing station, distinct from the fiber placement machine, for the modification of the workpiece, wherein the workpiece can be brought both to the fiber placement machine and to the further processing station by means of an automated conveyor means. Various additional embodiments are also disclosed herein.

A method of moulding and apparatus therefor, in which a workpiece is preheated and/or post-cooled before and/or after a moulding process, allowing optimal use of the tool for high precision moulding operations.

A system and method to dispense, mix, and inject liquids and force them into a vented investment pattern mold cavity comprises a source of raw materials in fluid communication with an injection unit for metering and delivering the raw materials. A mixing and injection head receives and mixes the metered raw materials. A movable molding cart upon which an investment pattern mold is mounted is disposed adjacent the injection unit and proximate the mixing and injection head. The movable molding cart includes a fill cup that may be engaged by the mixing and injection head. A displaceable gating tray provides fluid communication with the fill cup and a sprue aligned with an investment port on a lower portion of the investment pattern mold. The system also includes a digital computer control by which the injection process may be controlled.

A system and method to dispense, mix, and inject liquids and force them into a vented investment pattern mold cavity comprises a source of raw materials in fluid communication with an injection unit for metering and delivering the raw materials. A mixing and injection head receives and mixes the metered raw materials. A movable molding cart upon which an investment pattern mold is mounted is disposed adjacent the injection unit and proximate the mixing and injection head. The movable molding cart includes a fill cup that may be engaged by the mixing and injection head. A displaceable gating tray provides fluid communication with the fill cup and a sprue aligned with an investment port on a lower portion of the investment pattern mold. The system also includes a digital computer control by which the injection process may be controlled.

A composite material component manufacturing method includes a molding step of applying, by a pressing device, heat and pressure to a prepreg to mold the prepreg, and a transfer step of transferring the prepreg. The transfer step includes moving the prepreg together with the pressing device in a state in which a pressing force is applied to the prepreg by the pressing device.

An intelligent automatic mold-exchanging system and an intelligent automatic mold-exchanging method are provided. The system include a mold storage unit, a mold assembly and disassembly unit, a mold temporary storage unit, a temporary storage mold pick-and-place unit, a plurality of processing machines, a plurality of mold position preparation units, an exchange mold pick-and-place unit, and a central control unit. The central control unit is electrically connected to the mold storage unit, the mold assembly and disassembly unit, the mold temporary storage unit, the temporary storage mold pick-and-place unit, the processing machines, the mold position preparation units, and the exchange mold pick-and-place unit. The mold storage unit, the mold assembly and disassembly unit, the mold temporary storage unit, the temporary storage mold pick-and-place unit, the processing machines, the mold position preparation units, and the exchange mold pick-and-place unit are disposed on a same production line.

This invention relates to a moulding station and a method using such moulding station, wherein the moulding station comprises a first web mould and a second web mould arranged on different levels. The first web mould is configured for manufacturing a first shear web and the second web mould is configured for manufacturing a second shear web. The first and second shear webs are moved to a post-moulding sub-station for assembly or finishing steps or to a transfer area. The present invention enables the sets of shear webs to be manufactured at multiple levels, thereby increasing the production capacity.