Abstract: A scrap collection assembly for a tape lamination head that applies a plurality of composite tape segments includes a crack-off assembly with a scrap crack-off redirect roller configured to engage one or more composite tape segments and one or more scrap portions; and a secondary crack-off roller configured to engage one or more composite tape segments and one or more scrap portions; a pivot that connects the crack-off assembly to the tape lamination head, wherein the secondary crack-off roller selectively moves about the pivot to change a direction of composite tape movement.

Abstract: A cutting assembly for a tape lamination head that applies a plurality of composite tape segments includes a cutter carriage configured to slide relative to the tape lamination head and adjacent to composite tape in a direction of composite tape movement; and a cutter assembly, carried by the cutter carriage, comprising a cutting blade and a cutting anvil, wherein the cutting blade is configured to cut the composite tape while the cutting carriage is moving at the same velocity as composite tape moving through the tape lamination head.

Abstract: A scrap collection assembly for a tape lamination head that applies a plurality of composite tape segments includes a crack-off assembly with a scrap crack-off redirect roller configured to engage one or more composite tape segments and one or more scrap portions; and a secondary crack-off roller configured to engage one or more composite tape segments and one or more scrap portions; a pivot that connects the crack-off assembly to the tape lamination head, wherein the secondary crack-off roller selectively moves about the pivot to change a direction of composite tape movement.

Abstract: A scrap collection assembly for a tape lamination head that applies a plurality of composite tape segments includes a crack-off assembly with a scrap crack-off redirect roller configured to engage one or more composite tape segments and one or more scrap portions; a secondary crack-off roller configured to engage one or more composite tape segments and one or more scrap portions; a pivot that connects the crack-off assembly to the tape lamination head, wherein the secondary crack-off roller selectively moves about the pivot to change a direction of composite tape movement; and a conveyor that receives the scrap portion(s) from the secondary crack-off roller.

Abstract: A tape lamination head for applying composite tape onto a mold or mandrel amid the formation of a composite workpiece. The tape lamination head is but one component of a larger tape lamination machine and assembly. Among its components, the tape lamination head includes a tape supply reel, a backing paper take-up reel, and a tape tension control system. The tape tension control system has a first dancer roller assembly located downstream of the tape supply reel and has a second dancer roller assembly located upstream of the backing paper take-up reel. The first dancer roller assembly can include a first roller, a first guide, a first actuator, a first lock, and a first position sensor. The second dancer roller assembly can include a second roller, a second guide, a second actuator, a second lock, and a second position sensor.

Abstract: A scrap collection assembly for a tape lamination head that applies a plurality of composite tape segments includes a crack-off assembly with a scrap crack-off redirect roller configured to engage one or more composite tape segments and one or more scrap portions; a secondary crack-off roller configured to engage one or more composite tape segments and one or more scrap portions; a pivot that connects the crack-off assembly to the tape lamination head, wherein the secondary crack-off roller selectively moves about the pivot to change a direction of composite tape movement; and a conveyor that receives the scrap portion(s) from the secondary crack-off roller.

Abstract: A tape lamination head for applying composite tape onto a mold or mandrel amid the formation of a composite workpiece. The tape lamination head is but one component of a larger tape lamination machine and assembly. Among its components, the tape lamination head includes a tape supply reel and multiple rollers. The tape supply reel receives a tape supply spool. The rollers carry composite tape from the tape supply spool downstream of the tape supply reel. The composite tape is carried by the rollers about a composite tape path that is defined by the tape lamination head. At a location along the composite tape path, one or more of the rollers situates the composite tape so that a backing paper side of the composite tape ends up in confrontation with a layup surface upon which the composite tape is applied.

Abstract: A cutting assembly for a tape lamination head that applies a plurality of composite tape segments includes a cutter carriage configured to slide relative to the tape lamination head and adjacent to composite tape in a direction of composite tape movement; and a cutter assembly, carried by the cutter carriage, comprising a cutting blade and a cutting anvil, wherein the cutting blade is configured to cut the composite tape while the cutting carriage is moving at the same velocity as composite tape moving through the tape lamination head.

Abstract: A tape lamination head for applying composite tape onto a mold or mandrel amid the formation of a composite workpiece. The tape lamination head is but one component of a larger tape lamination machine and assembly. Among its components, the tape lamination head includes a tape supply reel, a backing paper take-up reel, and a tape tension control system. The tape tension control system has a first dancer roller assembly located downstream of the tape supply reel and has a second dancer roller assembly located upstream of the backing paper take-up reel. The first dancer roller assembly can include a first roller, a first guide, a first actuator, a first lock, and a first position sensor. The second dancer roller assembly can include a second roller, a second guide, a second actuator, a second lock, and a second position sensor.