CPC B64F 5/10 (2017.01) [B29C 70/38 (2013.01); B29C 70/44 (2013.01); B29L 2031/3082 (2013.01)] | 21 Claims |
1. A method for placing a preform onto a mandrel, the preform comprising an unhardened fiber-reinforced material, the method comprising:
moving the mandrel in a process direction relative to a placement station(s) that comprises multiple pick-and-place machine(s);
identifying a tray that stores the preform;
placing a strong back at the preform via at least one of the multiple pick-and-place machine(s), wherein placing the strong back comprises placing a recess of the strong back at the preform;
applying vacuum pressure to hold the preform in contact with the strong back;
transporting the preform to the mandrel via the at least one of the multiple pick-and-place machines, wherein transporting the preform to the mandrel comprises aligning a recess of the strong back with a cut-out in the mandrel; and
placing the preform onto the mandrel.
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