- 3DExperience R2017x release brings in a complete set of tools integrated in one platform to read, generate, modify and export Laser projection files to cater the Composites industry.
- Of the various beneficial composites processing innovations developed over the past decades, laser projection systems rank near the top. Introduced in the 1990s, they replaced physical cumbersome templates as customer demand for shorter production cycles became more aggressive, significantly reducing labor, time and part scrap during layup.
Working of Laser Projection Systems:
A projector mounted above the work area produces a light beam from a low-level laser source. Using a system of mirrors and galvanometers controlled by a computer, it converts the laser’s stationary dot of light into a “traveling” sequence of points that refreshes so quickly that it appears to be persistent to the human eye. Retro-reflective alignment pins or targets positioned at the edges of the tool act as reference points to accurately establish the tool within 3D space.
Using the part’s CAD file information, the projector’s computerized system projects onto the tool the exact boundaries of successive pre-preg plies. It assists the technician for Ply Placement during Hand Lay-up to allow repeat-ability and automation.
Industries using Laser Projection systems:
Laser Projection is well suited for most of Hand layup Open tooling parts of medium to large sizes from various industries;
- Aerospace & Defense - Structural Panels, Radome, Nacelle, Fairing, etc.
- Marine & Offshore - Hulls
- Transportation & Mobility - Hoods, Monocoque, etc.
- Energy, Process & Utilities - Wind Turbine Blades
Why CATIA Composites Laser Projection?
Composites Laser Projection allows users to natively export 3D Composites data into Laser format for Assisted Ply placement. It also allows users to view their existing Laser format data in CATIA.
Benefits and Highlights of CATIA Composites Laser Projection
- The CATIA Composites Laser Projection Operator (CLJ) Extension is fully integrated in the 3DExperience platform that provides the ability to generate and edit laser projection files to the shopfloor from the Composites CAD data.
- Allows manufacturers to quickly project complex ply shapes to be laid on the mold by the operator, resulting in a better positioning.
- Maintains associativity between the Composites Design data and Laser projection files.
- Export the Laser projection data in formats supported by Industrial Laser Projector providers viz: Virtek, Assembly Guidance, LTP, LAP etc.
- Ability to read Legacy Laser projection data in 3D view within the design context.
Demo Video
Here is a short demo video highlighting the various capabilities of the Composites Laser Projection Operator extension.
For more information/demos/documents about the Composites Engineering Roles, please visit the www,3ds.com page.
TAGS: Demo Composites Engineering
