FiberGrafiXTM 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.
Machine Motion Pattern Editor (EdPat II)
Fiber Path to Machine Motion Transformer
Cylindrical and CLEV Mandrel Generators
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.
Back to Top
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.
Back to Top
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.
Back to Top
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.
Back to Top
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.
Back to Top
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.
Back to Top
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.
Back to Top
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.
Back to Top
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.
Back to Top
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.
Back to Top
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.
Back to Top
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.
Back to Top
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.
Back to Top