This class is a follow up to “Intro to Composite Manufacturing Platform.” This hands-on course will follow the entire manufacturing process for composites, carbon fiber, and parts. It will begin with determining manufacturing strategies with the help of TruPlan software. Then we will use TruNest Composites software to nest the 2D carbon fiber plies for material efficiency. Since the carbon fiber fabric is time-sensitive, temperature-controlled material, it must be followed through the manufacturing process with high precision. The complete lifecycle of each roll of material and each carbon fiber part will be tracked accurately using TruNest Composites software. Finally, when the 2D shapes are cut using part programs generated by TruNest software, they will be laid up on the 3D part mold by hand, using laser projectors to assist with layup. The laser projectors that assist with ply layup will be programmed using TruLaser software. This session features TruNest Composites, TruLaser, and TruPlan.

During this two-part class, we will utilize Autodesk® TruNest Composites to show the complete process from import to nesting to NC part cutting of ply materials. Special focus will be given to optimal nesting for efficient material usage. During the second half, we will utilize Autodesk® TruLaser to perform laser projection for showing composite ply lay-up.

Companies like SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Virgin Galactic all have something in common: disruption of the space travel and space cargo industries. How we ship things and people to outer space is a complex set of operations, and each of these companies is looking to do it cheaper, and, more importantly, lighter than anyone else. By shedding weight, the teams of engineers working on these spacecraft are also making space travel and shipping more attainable. In turn, their suppliers are also looking to adopt composite materials and manufacturing processes to ensure that all of the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) have the parts they need, when they need them. In this class, we'll review how, with Autodesk software, you can learn how to make composite parts that may soon be in orbit.