Machine vision support of VARI process automation in composite part manufacturing

Abstract

This paper presents a system for monitoring and regulating the injection of resin into technical fabric pieces laid up against a die, a process that is commonly used in the production of composite materials by vacuum (VARI). To implement this system, a conventional webcam was used to capture the flow of resin and standard machine vision routines were put together to construct a suitable environment to detect the resin flow front. In addition, a sample hydraulic/pneumatic system for infusing the resin was designed and implemented, consisting of inlet and outlet valves. A suitable electronic circuit was designed to control the hydraulic/pneumatic system and control code was developed using a low cost microcontroller. A typical example is presented based on which the general system's concept is explained and discussed.