Process analysis of the hand lay-up method using CFRP prepreg sheets

Abstract

The autoclave molding method is performed by stacking CFRP prepreg sheets in a mold; this method is widely used in airplanes and by the automobile industry. Most three-dimensional-shaped parts are manually produced by the hand lay-up stacking sequence method. Because of this, mechanical properties such as shape accuracy and strength vary depending on the worker’s skill. This is the major issue when tackling the difficulty of quality control in hand lay-up molded products. In order to alleviate these quality management difficulties, ideally, all workers are provided operation manuals and obtain the sufficient skills to prevent individual differences from occurring in the hand layup process. In this study, we aim to establish qualification criteria and standardize the work process of this method. We discuss how the differences in the hand layup work process influence the mechanical performance of molded products, based on the workers’ skill.