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Modules
Software Customization
FiberGrafiX™ is comprised of several different
modules that are bundled together to form this premier
filament winding pattern generation application. For
a brief description of each module, click the appropriate
link below.
Fiber Path Engine
Project Manager
Summary Tables
Pattern Transitions
Machine Motion Pattern Editor (EdPat II)
Fiber Path to Machine Motion Transformer
Machine Motion Optimizer
AXISYM Mandrel Generator
Cylindrical and CLEV Mandrel Generators
DXF Mandrel Import
Mandrel Surface Update
FiberGrafiX to FEA Translator (Optional)
PatLink II (Optional)
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Fiber
Path Engine
The Fiber Path Engine defines the fiber paths required
to wind the part. A basic wind angle through the body
of the part can be specified. The program uses a constant
friction path to determine the fiber path between
specified mandrel positions. The maximum friction
value is displayed in the Project summary dialog box.
The Enhanced Fiber Path Engine allows the fiber path
data to be displayed and modified. Fiber paths are
defined as a series of positions in a data table displaying
the part profile, fiber angle, the friction value
required to maintain the specified fiber angle, and
fiber rotation angle. Positions and values can be
inserted, deleted or modified in the table. The data
is linked to the mandrel geometry data so that inserted
positions are always located on the mandrel. A marker
graphically shows the table location on the mandrel
display. Clicking on the mandrel display causes the
table to scroll to that location. An extensive set
of tools is available that allow any fiber path to
be created and displayed on the mandrel. Friction
and fiber bridging information allow the suitability
of these paths to be easily checked for problems.
This makes programming fiber paths fast and efficient.
These tools include the friction modeling functions
that allow both geodesic and non-geodesic fiber paths
to be created, and simplify the process of defining
fiber paths using friction and geometric constraints.
This makes it easy to modify the fiber path and see
the results of those modifications. The Fiber Path
Engine module is capable of specifying any windable
fiber angle from low angles (helical winding) to 90
degrees (hoop winding). A fiber band advance function
allows the pattern to be modified so that the fibers
can be uniformly placed on the mandrel.
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Project
Manager
The Project Manager provides the controls necessary
to add layers, edit layers, organize the wound layers,
and link winding patterns together into a single machine-control
file.
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Summary
Tables
Summary Tables give a convenient overview of the winding
patterns comprising the winding project. They show
the maximum fiber-path friction, material coverage,
and delivery head-clearance specification. Enhanced
packages show the winding time and material wound
for each layer as well as the total values used for
the entire project. Other important data is shown
for each wound layer so that the entire winding project
can be quickly evaluated.
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Pattern
Transitions
The Pattern Transitions feature creates fiber paths
for mandrels that have no fiber-path symmetry assumptions.
This allows fiber path transitions, linking one type
of pattern to another, to be created. Transition patterns
enable the winding pattern to transition from one
type of pattern to another without having to cut off
the fibers and tie them back on the mandrel. Generally
these wind patterns will be executed only once. They
can also be used for patterns that are cyclic in nature
containing one or more circuits.
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Machine
Motion Pattern Editor (EdPat II)
The Machine Motion Pattern Editor (EdPat II) allows
users to view and edit winding pattern files. The
program displays graphical information showing a plot
of one or more axes. Winding motion data is displayed
graphically with a tabular display option that can
be displayed on the same screen. Linked patterns can
also be examined and edited with this program. Pattern
regions are color-coded so that it is easy to see
the axes interactions or see how multiple patterns
are combined. Velocity, acceleration, and auxiliary
command information can also be displayed. Tools to
insert, delete, smooth, zoom, replace, cut and paste,
control and modify band advance, and interpolate motion
data are provided. Two data buffers are available
making it possible to compare the original pattern
with the modified or with an additional pattern.
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Fiber
Path To Machine Motion Transformer
The Fiber Path to Machine Motion Transformer determines
the machine motions required to wind the fiber on
the mandrel as defined by the Fiber Path Engine. Delivery
head clearances are set by entering constants. Winding
machine patterns are created for machines having up
to six axes of motion. Additionally, the winding head
profile can be displayed and edited. This modified
profile can be used for future winding patterns if
desired.
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Machine
Motion Optimizer
The Machine Motion Optimizer creates a pattern time
base and provides smooth axes motions. Machine axes
motions are optimized to provide a constant fiber
payout rate constrained to the velocity and acceleration
limits of each axis. This module creates winding patterns
that provide smooth machine motions allowing for high
production winding rates. Patterns can be output for
a wide range of winding machine control systems.
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AXISYM
Mandrel Generator
The AXISYM Mandrel Generator creates axisymmetric
mandrels (figures of revolutions) by filling in a
table, which defines the mandrel profile. Part geometry
is specified as a sequence of axial and radial positions
defining the mandrel profile. Points are connected
together using linear, spline, or ellipsoidal interpolation
between point segments. As an added convenience, the
ends of the part can be specified as an ellipsoidal
dome, a flat end, a cylindrical section, a conic section
or as a set of points to define an arbitrary geometry.
Wind angles for the first wound layer can also be
entered in the table or the program will calculate
wind angles based on the geometry and any specified
angles separated by a constant friction region. Additional
layers can be defined or modified in the Project Manager
window. The DXF Mandrel Import capability can also
be used to define the mandrel.
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Cylindrical
and CLEV Mandrel Generators
The Cylindrical and CLEV Mandrel Generators create
a geometric model of the mandrel to be used for the
pattern and allow the first fiber layer to be specified.
This is done by filling in a simple menu describing
the mandrel. Additional layers can be added using
the Project Manager dialog box. Pole diameters can
be unequal for CLEV. Pin ring winding is easily accomodated
by using geometric constants.
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DXF
Mandrel Import
DXF Mandrel Import allows CAD (computer aided design)
data to be used for defining mandrel geometry. CAD
data in a DXF format is read into the program. The
curves defining the part Profile and centerline are
selected by graphically selecting the curves. This
data is then properly formatted to become a winding
project having the selected mandrel. This utility
can be used to import any mandrel used in FGX. The
Project Manager is used to add all laminate layers
to the part.
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Mandrel
Surface Update
The Mandrel Surface Update feature creates a new mandrel
surface based on the fiber build-up. This accounts
for variations in lamina thickness as the part geometry
and fiber angles change to provide a new mandrel surface
that can be used for future layer definitions. This
makes it easy to account for mandrel geometry changes
during the winding process.
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FiberGrafiX
to FEA Translator (Optional)
The FiberGrafiX to FEA Translator allows for systematic
design and analysis which helps to reduce the time
and cost of developing filament-wound parts. This
is done by using computer models to predict the characteristics
of the filament-wound part. Finite element analysis
(FEA) allows more of the initial design and testing
to be done on the computer, resulting in time and
material savings while producing a better part. Advances
in FEA software have made it possible to perform routine
analysis of filament-wound parts on a personal computer
rather than on an expensive workstation. The FGX to
FEA interface makes it easy to construct models for
filament-wound parts. The program allows wound layers
to be overlaid on the mandrel automatically taking
into account the changes in fiber angles and lamina
thickness. The FEA interface uses 2D graphics and
allows the user to define the model by entering the
winding pattern (fiber path) sequence to be used on
the winding machine. The mandrel and each layer of
the winding are plotted onto the graphic display.
The part can then be sectioned into key regions to
define the meshing requirements. The material for
each layer of the laminate is specified. A command
file is created with the commands, the material specification
and lamina geometry. The FEA post-processor is used
to read this file and create the model.
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PatLink
II (Optional)
The PATLINK II option may be purchased to allow multiple
patterns from various sources to be linked into one
continuous pattern. It combines winding patterns and
transition patterns in any order. The program allows
the combined patterns to be linked with embedded commands
which control how the machine reacts to these combined
pattern. The machine can stop and wait for operator
intervention, stop and automatically restart for the
new pattern, or run continuously without stopping
between patterns. Some of these options are control
system-dependent. It also formats the combined pattern
for the EDPAT II editor that can be used to view and
edit the pattern.
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