XCell

Switching the tool head to the X1Tow adds filament winding to the XCell. Tension is set and applied, up to 40 N, with robot motion synchronized to the mandrel rotation. It runs on the same horizontal positioner as AFP on revolution, so the XCell switches between fibre placement and filament winding without a change of cell.

Switching the tool head to the ultrasonic cutter trims the preform to net shape, no separate trimming step before the closed-mold process. Using a Sonimat Soniblade-S, it handles uncured thermoset prepreg up to 6 mm, as well as sandwich/NIDA core and other materials.

Swap the XPlace MK3 heat source for a hot air gun to process thermoplastics and dry stabilized tapes, up to 300°C. Two options extend it further: a 500 x 500 mm heated plate (up to 120°C) that helps the first ply adhere, and a liquid-cooled compaction roller that keeps deposition temperature constant.

The Automatic Tool Changer (ATC) makes the robot fully multiprocess, automatically switching between tool heads for each task. Available processes: automated fibre placement (AFP), filament winding (FW), and ultrasonic cutting.

The integration of a Testia (an Airbus company) inspection sensor enables the XCell to scan every tape layed and assess the criticality of a measured defect. Recordings of the measurements are available for quality traceability.