Abstract: A method of evaluating a composite sample comprises providing a flatbed scanner comprising a scanning head movable along a scanning direction; providing a composite sample comprising a plurality of plies arranged on planes parallel to a longitudinal direction and comprising a scanning plane containing ply edges, wherein the ply edges are oriented parallel to the longitudinal direction; arranging the composite sample on the flatbed scanner such that the scanning plane is parallel to the scanning direction and the ply edges of the scanning plane are perpendicular to the scanning direction; moving the scanning head along the scanning direction and perpendicularly to the ply edges to scan the scanning plane of the composite sample and obtain an image of the scanning plane; and evaluating the image to identify possible defects in the composite sample.

Abstract: A cutting mechanism for a composite material lay-up head comprises a plurality of blades, each blade having a variable width, and a drive mechanism to drive the blades along an axial direction to cut a respective tow of composite material. The blades are rotatable about the axial direction between a first angular position, wherein the blades sever the respective tow along a first cutting direction transversal to a longitudinal direction of the respective tow, and a second angular position, wherein the blades sever the respective tow along a second cutting direction rotated by a rotation angle to the first cutting direction.

Abstract: A method of evaluating a composite sample comprises providing a flatbed scanner comprising a scanning head movable along a scanning direction; providing a composite sample comprising a plurality of plies arranged on planes parallel to a longitudinal direction and comprising a scanning plane containing ply edges, wherein the ply edges are oriented parallel to the longitudinal direction; arranging the composite sample on the flatbed scanner such that the scanning plane is parallel to the scanning direction and the ply edges of the scanning plane are perpendicular to the scanning direction; moving the scanning head along the scanning direction and perpendicularly to the ply edges to scan the scanning plane of the composite sample and obtain an image of the scanning plane; and evaluating the image to identify possible defects in the composite sample.

Abstract: A cutting mechanism for a composite material lay-up head comprises a plurality of blades, each blade having a variable width, and a drive mechanism to drive the blades along an axial direction to cut a respective tow of composite material. The blades are rotatable about the axial direction between a first angular position, wherein the blades sever the respective tow along a first cutting direction transversal to a longitudinal direction of the respective tow, and a second angular position, wherein the blades sever the respective tow along a second cutting direction rotated by a rotation angle to the first cutting direction.