A tape machine includes a base, one or more wheels connected to the base, one or more uprights extending upwards from the base, a roller connected to the base, and a tape roll housing connected to the uprights and configured to receive a roll of tape therein to allow for rotational unwinding of the roll of tape. A cutter connected to the base and moveable between an idle position and a cut position. A blade on the cutter is moveable to cut the tape when in cut position.

A method of preparing a composite article including providing a first bias assembly with a first bias roll; providing a first non-bias assembly with a first non-bias roll; positioning the first bias assembly to a dispensing position; dispensing a bias ply from the first bias roll along a bias path on a mold; cutting the bias ply; positioning the first non-bias assembly to a dispensing position; dispensing a non-bias ply from the first non-bias roll; and cutting the non-bias ply; wherein the bias path and the non-bias path are substantially parallel.

A method of preparing a composite article including providing a first bias assembly with a first bias roll; providing a first non-bias assembly with a first non-bias roll; positioning the first bias assembly to a dispensing position; dispensing a bias ply from the first bias roll along a bias path on a mold; cutting the bias ply; positioning the first non-bias assembly to a dispensing position; dispensing a non-bias ply from the first non-bias roll; and cutting the non-bias ply; wherein the bias path and the non-bias path are substantially parallel.

A tape machine includes a base, one or more wheels connected to the base, one or more uprights extending upwards from the base, a roller connected to the base, and a tape roll housing connected to the uprights and configured to receive a roll of tape therein to allow for rotational unwinding of the roll of tape. A cutter connected to the base and moveable between an idle position and a cut position. A blade on the cutter is moveable to cut the tape when in cut position.

An additive manufacturing method comprises: positioning a sheet of composite material; curing a predetermined portion of the sheet; cutting the sheet about the perimeter of the predetermined portion to create a preceding processed sheet; adding a successive sheet of composite material atop and in contact with the preceding processed sheet; curing a predetermined portion of the successive sheet such that the predetermined portions of the successive sheet and the preceding processed sheet are bonded together; and cutting the successive sheet about the perimeter of its predetermined portion to create a subsequent processed sheet. The steps of adding, curing and cutting a successive sheet may be repeated for a plurality of cycles to produce a three-dimensional composite product.

A material dispensing system including a first frame and a first application head. The first application head supported by the first frame including a first bias ply assembly comprising a bias ply roll supported on a bias ply dispenser unit, the first bias ply assembly configured to pass bias ply material along a bias path; and a first non-bias ply assembly comprising a non-bias ply roll supported by a non-bias ply dispenser unit, the non-bias ply assembly configured to pass non-bias ply material along a non-bias path; wherein the bias path and the non-bias path are substantially parallel. Another aspect provides a material dispensing system including a first frame and a first application head supported thereby; and a second frame and a second application head supported thereby; wherein the first frame and the second frame move in an X direction during operation. Another aspect includes preparing a composite article.

A tape machine includes a base, one or more wheels connected to the base, one or more uprights extending upwards from the base, a roller connected to the base, and a tape roll housing connected to the uprights and configured to receive a roll of tape therein to allow for rotational unwinding of the roll of tape. A cutter connected to the base and moveable between an idle position and a cut position. A blade on the cutter is moveable to cut the tape when in cut position.

A method of cutting a wafer of composite core from a bulk composite core including the steps of placing the bulk composite core in a container, the bulk composite core having a plurality of tube members; depositing a potting compound in contact with an outer surface of the bulk composite core; curing the potting compound; and after curing of the potting compound, cutting through each of the tube members. A method of cutting a wafer of composite core from a bulk composite core, the method comprising the steps of stabilizing the bulk composite core by wrapping an exterior of the bulk composite core with a composite wrap, the bulk composite core having a plurality of tube members; curing the composite wrap; and cutting through each of the tube members.

A tape machine includes a base, one or more wheels connected to the base, one or more uprights extending upwards from the base, a roller connected to the base, and a tape roll housing connected to the uprights and configured to receive a roll of tape therein to allow for rotational unwinding of the roll of tape. A cutter connected to the base and moveable between an idle position and a cut position. A blade on the cutter is moveable to cut the tape when in cut position.

An additive manufacturing method comprises: positioning a sheet of composite material; curing a predetermined portion of the sheet; cutting the sheet about the perimeter of the predetermined portion to create a preceding processed sheet; adding a successive sheet of composite material atop and in contact with the preceding processed sheet; curing a predetermined portion of the successive sheet such that the predetermined portions of the successive sheet and the preceding processed sheet are bonded together; and cutting the successive sheet about the perimeter of its predetermined portion to create a subsequent processed sheet. The steps of adding, curing and cutting a successive sheet may be repeated for a plurality of cycles to produce a three-dimensional composite product.