Engineering

Technical Feasibility

Every project brings new challenges. We carefully evaluate feasibility, then structure the data — inputs and outputs — for a clear, successful outcome.

Any project brings some new challenges. We believe this should be carefully evaluated in order to have a successful outcome. our approach regarding the technical feasibility is as below:

OTOM will evaluate the feasibility of the project per the capability of the software and provide feedback within (1-3 weeks).
In case of a successful evaluation, OTOM prepares a quotation including all estimated expenses such as labor cost, working hours, hardware equipment deprecation, and travel cost (including 1-2 days visit at the production site for data acquisition).

The data should be gathered for further analysis. The data structure in OTOM AFP software consists of 2 main channels, inputs, and outputs. They are classified in order to give the user a structural way to analyze the results.

Data structure
The model inputs are designed and classified based on the automated fiber placement process and influencing parameters. All the parameters that are provided as input for OTOM can be divided into Geometrical Parameters, Process Parameters, and Computational Parameters.

OTOM Engineering service

A. Model inputs to:
i. Geometrical parameters
ii. Process parameters
iii. Computational parameters

These parameters help to build the simulation setup and corresponding physical properties. An exemplary kinematic determination case is shown below.

*Defining kinematics and AFP placement.*

The OTOM model outputs are general numerical values represented as numbers, graphs, contour images, and animations. They are intended to give the user an easy and fast understanding of real-world AFP outcomes via digital content. A high-level representation of OTOM models is shown below.

B. Model output results from:
i. Kinematics simulation
ii. Optical simulation
iii. Thermal simulation
iv. Optimization

*OTOM AFP model input and outputs summary.*

Feasibility in practice with AFP Web

The same input and output structure runs in OTOM AFP Web, our browser-based simulation suite. Two recent cases show how a simulated lay-up compares with the part on the machine: a conical funnel produced together with Fraunhofer IGCV, and a flat panel of more than 800 tows placed on a LAYWAY AFP machine.

AFP Web kinematic simulation of a conical funnel next to the manufactured part at Fraunhofer IGCV — *Conical funnel: trajectory mapping and ply placement simulated in AFP Web, next to the manufactured part at Fraunhofer IGCV.*

AFP Web kinematic module placing a ply of more than 800 tows on a flat panel, with live machine footage — *Flat panel: a ply of more than 800 tows generated in the AFP Web kinematic module, alongside the LAYWAY machine placing it.*

Both cases were set up in the browser — geometry, trajectory mapping and process settings — and the simulated result was compared directly with the manufactured part. See AFP Web in the product list, or watch the OTOM AFP Web playlist.