Spreading device and method, automatic tape laying device and method for forming composite parts

Abstract

A spreading apparatus for fiber reinforced composite tape and related methods are disclosed. The spreading apparatus includes an input side for receiving incoming tape to be spread and an output side for conveying the spread tape. The apparatus also includes a tape heater (150, 250, 650) for applying heat to the tape in use; and a tape spreader (100, 1, 200, 600) for applying contact pressure to the heated tape in use to spread the tape.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a spreading apparatus and method for fiber reinforced composite tapes, for example, a spreading apparatus and method that can be used in an automated tape placement (ATP) process for composite material manufacturing. Background Art

[0002] Automated tape laying for in-situ consolidation of carbon fiber / thermoplastic prepreg tapes is a non-autoclave manufacturing method that can produce high-quality composite parts. Using ATP allows control of fiber orientation and makes it possible to produce variable angle tow (VAT) sheets, where the fibers are oriented in a curved path to improve stress distribution / align with the desired structural path. As a result, sheets constructed in this way can provide performance advantages without adding weight, but are prone to defects including fiber wrinkling, fiber pull-up, gaps and overlaps.

[0003] Example implementations consistent with the present disclosure address the above-mentioned or related disadvantages.

[0004] US5698066A discloses a delivery head assembly for forming a tape from a plurality of tows and applying the tape as an overlying layer to a mandrel in a spiral pattern to produce a non-uniform cross-section product. US2007101564A1 discloses an apparatus and method for spreading a carbon fiber roll into a carbon fiber tape. US2018044827A1 discloses a fiber-reinforced composite material. US2017305077A1 discloses a technology for stably and high-speed processing of reinforcing fibers. Summary of the invention

[0005] According to the present disclosure, there is provided an apparatus and a method as described in the accompanying claims. Further features of the invention will be apparent from the dependent claims and the subsequent description.

[0006] In one aspect, there is provided a spreading apparatus for spreading a fiber reinforced composite tape comprising a thermoplastic matrix in use, the spreading apparatus comprising an input side for receiving incoming tape to be spread and an output side for conveying the spread tape, and further comprising: a tape heater for applying heat to the tape in use; and a tape spreader for applying contact pressure to the tape during heating of the tape to spread the tape.

[0007] In one embodiment, the tape is spread by the tape spreader such that its in-plane thickness decreases after spreading, but its width increases.

[0008] In one embodiment, the fiber reinforced composite tape comprises a thermoplastic resin. In one embodiment, the fiber reinforced composite tape comprises carbon fibers. In one embodiment, the fiber reinforced composite tape comprises a pre-impregnated resin-carbon fiber composite tape.

[0009] In one embodiment, the tape heater is arranged to apply heat to the incoming tape to raise its temperature and make it more easily deformable under contact pressure from the tape spreader.

[0010] In one embodiment, wherein the belt heater comprises a heat source arranged to indirectly supply heat to the incoming belt.

[0011] In one embodiment the tape heater comprises a tape heating surface which in use is heated by a heat source and wherein the tape received at the input side contacts the tape heating surface such that heat is applied to the tape from the tape heating surface by conduction.

[0012] In one embodiment, wherein the belt heater comprises a heat source arranged to apply radiant heat to the belt. In one embodiment, the belt heater comprises a laser. In one embodiment, the belt heater comprises an infrared radiator. In one embodiment, the belt heater comprises a hot gas source, such as a hot air source.

[0013] In one embodiment, the heat source is controllable to maintain the tape heating surface at a steady temperature as the tape passes to the tape spreader.

[0014] In one embodiment, the heat source is controllable to maintain the belt heating surface at a steady temperature corresponding to the melting temperature of the thermoplastic component of the belt.

[0015] In one embodiment, the heat source is controllable to maintain the temperature of the tape at the tape spreader at a stable temperature corresponding to the melting temperature of the thermoplastic component of the tape.

[0016] In one embodiment, the heat source is provided with a temperature sensor and is operable to maintain the heated surface at a stable temperature using feedback control, and / or to maintain the tape at a stable temperature at the tape spreader.

[0017] In one embodiment, the heat source comprises an electric heater tube or a hot gas torch.

[0018] In one embodiment, the tape spreader comprises a pressure plate against which the tape is pressed.

[0019] In one embodiment, the press plate comprises a flat surface against which the belt is pressed. In one embodiment, the press plate comprises a metal surface against which the belt is pressed. In one embodiment, the press plate comprises an H13 tool steel surface. In one embodiment, the press plate comprises a polished surface against which the belt is pressed. In one embodiment, the press plate comprises a non-stick coating.

[0020] In one embodiment, the platen is integral with the belt heater.

[0021] In one embodiment, the platen with the spreader includes a heated surface with a heater.

[0022] In one embodiment, the platen and belt heating surface comprise a single piece of material.In one embodiment, the platen and belt heating surface present an uninterrupted surface over which the belt passes.

[0023] In one embodiment, the tape spreader includes a compacting shoe for pressing a section of tape against a pressure plate to spread the tape.

[0024] In one embodiment, the compacting shoe includes a generally flat surface for pressing a section of the belt against the press plate to spread the belt at the section.

[0025] In one embodiment, the compacting shoe is driven by an actuator to move into and out of contact with the belt in use.

[0026] In one embodiment, the compacting shoe comprises a metal surface against which the belt is pressed. In one embodiment, the compacting shoe comprises an H13 tool steel surface. In one embodiment, the compacting shoe comprises a polished surface against which the belt is pressed. In one embodiment, the compacting shoe comprises a non-stick coating.

[0027] In one embodiment, the tape spreader comprises rollers for compressing the tape.

[0028] In one embodiment, the roller is driven by an actuator to move into and out of contact with the belt in use.

[0029] In one embodiment, the tape spreader comprises rollers, such as cylindrical rollers, for pressing the tape against the platen.

[0030] In one embodiment, the roller comprises a metal surface against which the belt is pressed. In one embodiment, the roller comprises an H13 tool steel surface. In one embodiment, the roller comprises a polished surface against which the belt is pressed. In one embodiment, the roller comprises a non-stick coating.

[0031] In one embodiment, the belt heater includes opposed rollers.

[0032] In one embodiment, the actuator is pneumatically driven.

[0033] In one embodiment, a spreading apparatus includes a sensor and a controller operable to provide pressure control feedback to an actuator with a spreader.

[0034] In one embodiment, the spreading apparatus comprises a plurality of belt spreaders.

[0035] In one embodiment, the spreading device includes one or both of an entry guide located on the input side and configured to stabilize the incoming tape, and an exit guide located on the output side and configured to stabilize the exiting tape.

[0036] In one embodiment, the entry guide and / or the exit guide are self-adjusting actuation guides.

[0037] In one embodiment, the tape spreading apparatus comprises a tape feed controller configured to, in use, regulate movement of the tape from an input side to an output side.

[0038] In another aspect, there is provided an automated tape laying apparatus for in-situ consolidation of a fiber reinforced composite tape comprising a thermoplastic matrix, the automated tape laying apparatus comprising the spreading apparatus described herein.

[0039] In another aspect, a method of spreading a fiber reinforced composite tape comprising a thermoplastic matrix is ​​provided, the method comprising: receiving an incoming tape to be spread; applying heat to the tape; applying contact pressure to the tape during heating of the tape, thereby spreading the tape; and outputting the spread tape.

[0040] In another aspect, there is provided a method of spreading a fiber reinforced composite tape comprising a thermoplastic matrix performed using the tape spreading apparatus described herein.

[0041] In another aspect, a method of forming a composite part is provided, comprising laying down a fiber reinforced composite tape comprising a thermoplastic matrix prior to consolidation in an automated tape laying process, the method of forming a composite part comprising the method of laying down a fiber reinforced composite tape comprising a thermoplastic matrix as described herein.

[0042] While certain preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] For a better understanding of the present invention, and in order to show how embodiments of the present invention may be implemented, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the attached schematic diagram, in which:

[0044] Figure 1 shows a spreading apparatus for a fiber reinforced composite tape according to an example embodiment;

[0045] Figure 2 shows a spreading apparatus for a fiber-reinforced composite tape according to another example embodiment;

[0046] Figure 3The relevant steered carbon fiber tow with a gap in the middle is shown;

[0047] Figure 4 An embodiment of a composite component including a hyperbolic surface is shown;

[0048] Figure 5 A flow chart illustrating a method of spreading a fiber-reinforced composite tape according to an example embodiment is shown;

[0049] Figure 6 shows a schematic diagram of a spreading apparatus for a fiber reinforced composite tape in use as part of an ATP process according to an example embodiment;

[0050] Figure 7 An automated tape laying apparatus including a spreading apparatus for a fiber reinforced composite tape is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] Figure 1 A spreading apparatus 1 for a fiber reinforced composite tape according to an example embodiment is shown. The spreading apparatus 1 is used to spread a fiber reinforced composite tape used in an ATP manufacturing process, such as a carbon fiber reinforced prepreg tape. The spreading apparatus 1 includes an input side for receiving an incoming tape to be spread and an output side for conveying the tape after spreading. The apparatus also includes: a tape heater 150 on the input side for applying heat to the tape during use; and a tape spreader 100 on the output side for applying contact pressure to the heated tape during use to spread the tape. The tape heater 150 applies heat to the incoming tape to increase its temperature and make it more easily deformable under the contact pressure from the tape spreader 100.

[0052] The contact pressure from the tape spreader 100 reduces the in-plane thickness of the tape, spreading the tape so that when it is delivered from the output side of the spreading device 1, it has a greater width than the width of the tape received at the input side. By controlling the spreading device to spread the tape to different widths, the incidence of gaps, overlaps and wrinkles in a composite part manufactured from the tape (e.g., by an ATP process) can be reduced. This is particularly advantageous when the tape is used to manufacture a composite part including at least one curved surface, as described in more detail later.

[0053] The belt heater 150 includes a platen 160 which is heated by three heater tubes 171, 172, 173. Figure 1In the tape spreader 100 of FIG. 1 , the heater tubes 171 , 172, 173 are electrical heating elements that can be controlled to maintain the temperature of the platen 160 at a sufficiently high temperature so that the tape received at the input side is heated while moving through the platen 160, thereby reaching the melting point or other suitable predetermined temperature depending on the properties of the matrix material of the composite tape, until the moment when the tape spreader 100 applies contact pressure to the tape. For example, the tape may include a thermoplastic resin matrix including PEEK, and in this case, the tape heater 150 is arranged so that the heater tubes 171 , 172, 173 maintain the platen 160 at 343° C., which corresponds to the melting temperature of PEEK.

[0054] The tape spreader 100 includes a compacting shoe 110 that is movable into and out of contact with a section of the tape as the tape passes through a platen 160 between the input side and the output side of the tape spreading apparatus 1. The compacting shoe 110 has a fixed geometry. Figure 1 The example embodiment of the pressure plate 160 comprises a cylindrical form which is arranged generally perpendicular to the direction of movement of the tape through the spreading device 1. The pressure plate 160 is generally planar, providing a smooth, uninterrupted surface over which the tape passes, is heated and is pressed against by the compacting shoe 110. The compacting shoe 110 is aligned parallel to the surface of the pressure plate 160 so that uniform pressure can be applied across the width of the tape. The pressure applied to the tape by the tape spreader 100 is controlled by applying different weights to the top of the compacting shoe 110. Figure 1 A portion of weight 112 is shown.

[0055] To reduce the possibility of damaging the fibers in the tape as it is spread, the surface of the tape spreader 100 that contacts the tape comprises polished H13 tool steel. A layer having a non-stick coating applied thereto serves to further reduce problems associated with the tape sticking to the surface of the tape spreader 100. It should be understood that the platen 160 and the tape heating surface may comprise a single piece of material.

[0056] By conservation of material volume, the reduction in thickness of the tape caused by the pressure from the compacting shoe 110 and the platen 160 on the top and bottom sides of the tape results in a reduction in the in-plane thickness of the tape, and thus an increase in the width of the tape as the tape spreads. As can be appreciated, by controlling the temperature, amount of pressure, and the time for which pressure is applied as the tape passes between the input and output sides of the tape spreading apparatus 1, the amount of spreading produced can be controlled, including such that a tape of constant width and thickness received at the input side of the tape spreading apparatus can be delivered from the output side at varying widths and thicknesses along its length.

[0057] Figure 2A spreading apparatus 2 for a fiber reinforced composite tape according to another example embodiment is shown. The spreading apparatus 2 comprises: a tape heater 250 on the input side for applying heat to the tape in use; and a tape spreader 200 on the output side for applying contact pressure to the heated tape in use so as to spread the tape, which components generally correspond to Figure 1 2. The tape spreading device 200 is similar to the equivalent components shown. The tape heater 250 comprises a heat source in combination with a platen 260 which provides a heated surface which raises the temperature of the incoming tape as it passes over the heated surface. However, the tape spreader 200 comprises two spreading levels. The actuator unit 220 enables the amount of contact pressure and the manner in which the pressure is applied to be more easily controlled as the tape passes through the spreading device 2. The tape spreading device 2 comprises an actuator clamping device 222 for stabilizing the actuator of the actuator unit 220.

[0058] Furthermore, the spreading device 2 comprises an entry guide 230 and an exit guide 232 which, in use, guide the tape as it is received at an input side of the spreading device 2 and conveyed from an output side of the spreading device 2, respectively. The entry guide 230 is located at the input side of the spreading device 2 and stabilizes the incoming tape, while the exit guide 232 is located at the output side of the spreading device 2 and is configured to stabilize the exiting tape. The entry guide 230 and the exit guide 232 are self-adjusting actuated guides of a type commonly known for tape handling operations.

[0059] The first tape spreading stage comprises a cylindrical roller aligned parallel to the surface of the platen 260 but with its axis perpendicular to the direction of movement of the tape through the tape spreading device 2. The pressure applied to the tape by the first spreading stage is controlled by a first actuator 220. The first actuator is pneumatic. The advantage of a pneumatic actuator over other control means (such as weights) is that a pneumatic actuator can vary the pressure applied to the tape in a continuous and simple manner.

[0060] The second belt spreading stage comprises a compacting shoe having a generally flat compacting surface for contacting and pressing the belt against the pressure plate. The pressure applied by the second spreading stage on the belt is controlled by a second actuator 220. The second actuator is pneumatic. The compacting surface of the compacting shoe is arranged generally parallel to the pressure plate. The compacting shoe comprises a curved portion located beside the flat surface, which curves away from the pressure plate. The curved portion is generally smoothly curved to reduce the impact of the edge of the flat surface on the belt surface when the belt is compressed and / or when the compacting shoe is separated from the belt after pressure is applied thereto.

[0061] If targeted Figure 1 As described above with respect to the tape spreading device 1, the amount of spreading produced in the spreading device 2 is adjusted by controlling the amount of heating, the amount and manner of pressure applied to the tape.

[0062] Example embodiments may employ sensors and feedback control mechanisms to ensure that a desired amount of spreading is achieved. A controller / processor in the form of a microcontroller is capable of providing different settings for a desired amount of spreading to a spreading device in use as the tape passes through the spreading device. In addition, feedback control variables may be easily set according to desired operating characteristics, such as acceptable tolerances for operating speed or size of the spread tape output from the spreading device. In conjunction with or independently of feedback control, empirical techniques may be used to determine the spreading effects of different heating and pressure conditions on different types of tape.

[0063] Pressure measurement and position measurement of components of the belt spreader, such as the position of the compacting shoe relative to the platen, provides a method of adjusting the effect of the spreading device on the belt, given the application of pressure.

[0064] Some possible modifications to the spreading apparatus described herein will now be explained. Although the belt spreader in the example embodiment shown in the figures has one compacting shoe to press sections of the belt against the pressure plate, more than one compacting shoe may be provided. The compacting shoes may have different geometries from one another, depending on the amount of spreading to be performed in different spreading operations. A single roller spreading level is envisioned within the present disclosure, and it is also envisioned that the belt spreader includes a plurality of rollers, either in a tandem spreading arrangement to press the belt against the pressure plate, or as opposed rollers to spread the belt as it passes therebetween. The roller option carries the risk of damaging the belt by sticking to and pulling up fibers, which is not the case with compression using a compacting shoe.

[0065] Although heating the tape by contact with the platen enables good stability / temperature regulation at the moment of spreading the tape, other tape heaters / heating methods used alone or in combination are possible. For example, lasers and / or infrared heaters, or other radiant heating elements, and / or hot gas / hot air may be used. Multiple heat sources may be used. In one embodiment, the heat source may be configured with a temperature sensor, and the heat source may use feedback control to maintain the heated surface at a stable temperature.

[0066] The belt heater may comprise a heat source arranged to indirectly supply heat to the incoming belt, for example arranged to heat a surface or thermal mass member that applies heat to the belt. The belt heater may be located intermediate between the input side and the output side to apply heat to the belt in use. The application of heat to the belt and the application of contact pressure to the belt occur simultaneously.

[0067] In addition to controlling (feedback controlled or otherwise) the application of heat and pressure to regulate the spreading of the tape by the spreading apparatus described herein, all embodiments may include a tape feed controller to regulate the movement of the tape from the input side of the spreading apparatus to the output side thereof. In certain embodiments, the tape feed controller may be configured to move the tape in a manner that does not deform the tape based on the position or movement of the tape. In other embodiments, the tape feed controller may adjust the tension on the tape so that additional elongation occurs. This introduces additional control variables for regulating the amount of spreading and improving the reproducibility of the tape spreading operation, and / or introduces the possibility of altered fiber orientation introduced into the tape as part of the tape spreading process.

[0068] As the tape is spread and the thickness is reduced, the fibers within the tape slide relative to each other and rearrange accordingly. During the process of manufacturing parts from fiber reinforced tapes, the spreading equipment has the ability to change the width of the tape. Therefore, the performance advantages of lighter or stronger / tougher structures can be achieved by tailoring the thickness distribution to meet specific performance requirements (including adjusting the thickness and fiber orientation independently of each other). In addition, the performance advantages of lighter or stronger / tougher structures are achieved by minimizing the stress and strain concentration caused by local fiber cutting (ply drop), thereby improving strength and damage tolerance properties. Spreading also allows the tape to be spread more widely on a hyperbolic surface (non-zero Gaussian curvature) without the gaps and overlaps associated with laying an equal wide band on a hyperbolic surface. Example applications include (but are not limited to) nacelles, radomes, twisted fan blades, aircraft wing surfaces, and wind turbine blade surfaces. Figure 3 and Figure 4 These items are shown. Figure 3 The associated steered carbon fiber tow with a gap in between is shown. Figure 4 An embodiment of a composite component is shown having a width that varies from base to tip on a hyperbolic surface, which is difficult to produce with high quality using related tape laying methods.

[0069] Figure 5 A flow chart is shown of a method of spreading a fiber reinforced composite tape according to an example embodiment.

[0070] As shown, at step S502, the method includes receiving an incoming tape to be spread. At step S504, the method includes the step of applying heat to the tape. At step S506, the method includes applying contact pressure to the heated tape, thereby spreading the tape. As shown at S508, the method further includes the step of outputting the spread tape.

[0071] It will be appreciated that by this method the in-plane thickness of the fibre reinforced tape is reduced but its width is increased. Heating the incoming tape to increase its temperature makes it easier to deform under contact pressure. Suitably, the heat may be applied by conduction, radiation or a combination of both, depending on the material from which the tape is made, to achieve the predetermined temperature.

[0072] It should also be understood that the step of applying heat to the tape and the step of applying contact pressure to the heated tape to spread the tape occur simultaneously. Furthermore, the step of applying contact pressure to the heated tape to spread the tape may occur more than once, i.e., multiple compression operations are envisioned to achieve the desired spreading effect. The spreading apparatus of any embodiment described herein may be used to perform the above-described spreading method.

[0073] The described method and apparatus are particularly suitable for spreading fiber reinforced composite tapes, wherein the tape comprises a matrix of a thermoplastic resin material. The tape may also comprise carbon fibers, such as pre-impregnated resin-carbon fiber composite tapes. Examples of relevant fiber reinforcement materials are those comprising carbon fibers, glass fibers, and aramid fibers. Relevant thermoplastic resin materials include thermoplastic polymers, such as PEEK, PEKK, PPS, PP, and PA (nylon). It is also contemplated that suitable heating and pressurization of fiber reinforced tapes wherein the tape comprises a thermosetting component (e.g., a thermosetting polymer matrix) provides tape spreading benefits.

[0074] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a spreading device for a fiber-reinforced composite tape as part of an ATP process according to an example embodiment is shown. The device includes an input side for receiving the incoming tape to be spread and an output side of a conveyor belt after spreading. The device includes: a tape heater 650 for applying heat to the tape during use; and a tape spreader 600 for applying contact pressure to the heated tape during use to spread the tape. The spreading device described herein can be attached to the ATP device in the manner shown. Therefore, the ATP device for in-situ consolidation of fiber-reinforced composite tapes can include the spreading device of any of the aforementioned embodiments. Those skilled in the art will understand that the spreading device of any of the aforementioned embodiments can be used for any of the Advanced Fibre Placement (AFP) and ATP processes. An example of an ATP process is Laser-Assisted Tape Placement (LATP). The ATP process generally referred to in this document also appropriately includes processes called Automated Tape Laying, Automated Fibre Placement, Assisted Tape Placement or Automated Tow Placement.

[0075] Figure 7 An automatic tape laying apparatus including a spreading apparatus for a fiber reinforced composite tape according to an example embodiment is shown. An ATP apparatus for in-situ consolidation of a fiber reinforced composite tape includes a tape reel unit 720, a controller unit, and a head unit 722. The spreading apparatus of any of the foregoing embodiments may be attached to the head unit 722 of the ATP apparatus. Thus, an ATP apparatus having a spreading apparatus as described herein may be operated to form a composite component. A method of forming a composite component includes spreading a fiber reinforced composite tape in an ATP process prior to consolidation using an ATP process apparatus having a spreading apparatus as described herein.

[0076] Although exemplary embodiments have been described with reference to the components, modules, and units discussed herein, such functional elements may be combined into fewer elements or separated into additional elements. Various combinations of optional features have been described herein, and it should be understood that the described features may be combined in any suitable combination. In particular, the features of any one of the exemplary embodiments may be combined with the features of any other embodiment as appropriate, unless such combinations are mutually exclusive. Throughout the specification, the term "comprising" or "including" means including the specified components but does not exclude the presence of others.

Claims

1. A method of forming a composite component, the method comprising spreading a fiber reinforced composite tape comprising a thermoplastic matrix prior to consolidation in an automated tape laying process using a spreading device (1), the spreading device comprising: an input side for receiving the fiber-reinforced composite tape to be spread; The output side of the fiber reinforced composite tape is conveyed after spreading, a tape heater (150) for indirectly applying heat to the fiber reinforced composite tape in use; and A tape spreader (100) comprising a planar platen (160), wherein the tape spreader (100) is configured to apply contact pressure to the fiber-reinforced composite tape during heating of the fiber-reinforced composite tape so as to spread the fiber-reinforced composite tape on the planar platen (160); The method for spreading the fiber-reinforced composite tape using the spreading device (1) comprises: receiving the fiber-reinforced composite tape to be spread; indirectly applying heat to the fiber-reinforced composite tape; applying contact pressure to press the fiber-reinforced composite tape against the planar press plate during heating of the fiber-reinforced composite tape, thereby spreading the fiber-reinforced composite tape; and The fiber-reinforced composite tape is output after being spread.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The tape heater comprises a tape heating surface which, in use, is heated by a heat source and wherein the fibre reinforced composite tape received at the input side contacts the tape heating surface such that heat is applied by conduction from the tape heating surface to the fibre reinforced composite tape.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein: The heat source is controllable to maintain the tape heating surface at a steady temperature as the fiber reinforced composite tape passes to the tape spreader (100).

4. The method according to claim 2, wherein: The flat pressing plate (160) is integrally formed with the belt heater (150).

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein: The planar platen (160) of the tape spreader (100) includes the tape heating surface of the tape heater (150).

6. The method according to claim 4, wherein: The tape spreader (100) comprises a compacting shoe (110) for pressing a section of the fiber reinforced composite tape against the planar press plate to spread the fiber reinforced composite tape.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein: The compacting shoe (110) is driven by an actuator (220) to move, in use, into and out of contact with the fiber reinforced composite tape.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The tape spreader (100) comprises rollers for compressing the fiber reinforced composite tape.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein: The roller is driven by an actuator (220) to move, in use, into and out of contact with the fiber reinforced composite tape.

10. According to the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, the spreading device includes one or two of the following: an entry guide (230), which is located on the input side and is configured to stabilize the received fiber-reinforced composite tape; and an exit guide (232), which is located on the output side and is configured to stabilize the fiber-reinforced composite tape after spreading.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the fiber-reinforced composite tape comprises a pre-impregnated resin-carbon fiber composite tape.

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