Patent ID: 6799619
Filing Date: 2004-10-05
Classification: B23K,B29C

Abstract:
A composite material collation machine comprising:a laser diode array for heating at least one fiber tape; a compaction device for pressing the fiber tape against a workpiece in a compaction region such that the fiber tape conforms to the contour of the workpiece and is adhered thereto; an inspection system for monitoring at least one of the fiber tape and the workpiece, the inspection system producing an output representative of at least one characteristic of at least one of the fiber tape and the workpiece; and a controller capable of receiving the output from the inspection system and automatically altering at least one system parameter defining an operational characteristic of the composite material collation machine based thereon, wherein the laser diode array is configured to irradiate a plurality of irradiation zones such that each irradiation zone can be irradiated independently of the other irradiation zones.