Manufacturing Technology of Aircraft and Wind Turbine Blades Models, Plugs and Moulds

Abstract

Rapid prototyping/manufacturing technology, as one of the fastest growing technologies, made its way into aeronautical industry long time ago. Beside huge cost and time savings, its main advantage lies in designers’ freedom to create new and innovative parts and systems. Today, there are many different rapid prototyping technologies available. This paper presents one possible manufacturing technology for producing accurate parts directly from computer-aided-design (CAD) models using 3-axis numerically controlled machine (in the form of subtractive milling). This process allows optimization of the design since changes can be easily incorporated into the three-dimensional (3D) model. Technology is applied on small aircraft and wind turbine blade models, and also on wind turbine blade mould, which can be used for both experimental and teaching purposes. Main advantages of the presented processes include: standardization, increased quality and accuracy, repeatability, cost and time reduction.