Evaluation of localization systems for CNC machining of large FRPC parts

Abstract In machining of large fiber-reinforced polymer composite (FRPC) parts, the part must be precisely located before machining. The exact location and geometry are usually determined by the probing systems employing a touch probe integrated with a CNC machine. When measuring a large number of points, touch probing consumes a significant amount of time and adversely affects the utilization of the CNC machine in serial production. To increase the probing speed and acquire additional details, an optical probing operating on the laser triangulation measuring principle is developed. The paper deals with the integration of the optical system with the existing CNC machine employing touch probing. The integration was performed in serial production of FRPC parts for wind industry, resulting in a reduction of time necessary to machine the FRPC part. The system enables measurement of workpiece location and geometry before and after machining and therefore ensures workpiece geometry traceability.

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