Abstract: Based on the analysis of automated tape laying (ATL) process,this paper proposed a new grading criteria of lay-up quality. Optimization experiment of lay-up processing parameter was designed using response surface methodology (RSM). Influences of the processing parameters,such as hot-air temperature,lay-up pressure and lay-up velocity,and furthermore,their interaction effects on the lay-up quality were analyzed. A quadratic polynomial regression equation was set up to forecast the relationship between the processing parameters and lay-up quality. Processing parameters for both the best lay-up quality and the maximum lay-up velocity in the acceptable lay-up quality were obtained by the regression equation. The proposed grading criteria and optimization method can be referred for the control of the processing parameters of ATL.

Key words: automated tape laying (ATL), responses surface methodology (RSM), Box-Behnken design (BBD), processing parameter, lay-up quality, prepreg