Media type: Text; E-Article Title: Novel form-flexible handling and joining tool for automated preforming Contributor: Kunz, Holger [Author]; Löchte, Christian [Author]; Dietrich, Franz [Author]; Raatz, Annika [Author]; Fischer, Fabian [Author]; Dröder, Klaus [Author]; Dilger, Klaus [Author] Published: Berlin : De Gruyter, 2015 Published in: Science and Engineering of Composite Materials 22 (2015), Nr. 2 Issue: published Version Language: English DOI: https://doi.org/10.15488/3143; https://doi.org/10.1515/secm-2013-0326 ISSN: 0334-181X Keywords: Carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) ; joining ; Manufacturing process ; Resin transfer moldings (RTM) ; Carbon fiber reinforced plastics ; Industrial research ; Fiber reinforced plastics ; form-flexible ; automated preforming ; handling ; draping ; Level of automations ; Resin transfer molding ; Carbon ; Preforming ; Automation ; Manufacture ; Production methods ; Material selection Origination: Footnote: Diese Datenquelle enthält auch Bestandsnachweise, die nicht zu einem Volltext führen. Description: The production rates of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) parts are rising constantly which in turn drives research to bring a higher level of automation to the manufacturing processes of CFRP. Resin transfer molding (RTM), which is seen as a production method for high volumes, has been accelerated to a high degree. However, complex net-shape preforms are necessary for this process, which are widely manually manufactured. To face these challenges a new concept for the manufacturing of carbon fiber preforms with a form-flexible gripping, draping and joining end-effector is presented and discussed. Furthermore, this paper investigates the application of this concept, describes the initial build-up of a demonstrator, focusing on material selection and heating technology, and discusses test results with the prototype. This prototype already validates the feasibility of the proposed concept on the basis of a generic preform geometry. After a summary, this paper discusses future in-depth research concerning the concept and its application in more complex geometries. © 2015 by De Gruyter 2015. Access State: Open Access