Automated near-net-shape preforming of carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastics (CFRTP)

This paper aims to show, that the preforming process of parts made of Carbon Fiber Rei-forced Thermoplastics (CFRTP) can be improved, when using several technologies like near-net shape cut-piece generation with forming simulation, automated cut-piece detection, robotic gripping and lay-down of fabrics. Thereby the authors of this paper want to contribute to the increase of CFRTP appli-cations in modern aircrafts, which generally should lead to an increasing lightweight design of such aircrafts.