Laser-assisted thermoplastic composite automated fiber placement robot for bonding GF/PP unidirectional composites and braided composites.

Laser-assisted thermoplastic composite automated placement method has been applied to the molding of composites due to its advantages of fast molding speed and high heating efficiency. This study focuses on designing a robot for laser-assisted thermoplastic composite automated fiber placement, employing a modular approach to create a versatile fiber placement head. Control functions, such as electrical circuits, a computer interface, and tension control, were developed. Hybrid laminates, combining GF/PP unidirectional and braided composites, were manufactured by independently adjusting laser power (275 W–400 W) and compression force (150 N–400 N). Bonding properties were analyzed using wedge peel tests and microscopic detection, revealing superior toughness in laser-assisted laminates compared to autoclave counterparts. Altering laser power and compression force impacted polypropylene resin distribution, influencing hybrid interlayer peel strength. The inclusion of braided materials and elevated mold temperature proved effective in minimizing lamination warpage in GF/PP laminates. • The modular laser-assisted head for automated fiber placement is designed for rapid bonding of thermoplastic composites. • The peel strength of hybrid laminates made by laser-assisted placement was superior to those made by autoclave, which had better toughness. • Adding braided material increases laminate stiffness, reducing warpage during automated thermoplastic composite placement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]