+x+xHi there,
I am looking for a method or technique or just ideas for “spreading” carbon tow as it is being wound off a spool and onto a “sheet making” drum. I have seen a couple YouTube videos of this process at a distance in a commercial setting but you cannot tell what exact technique/mechanism is being used to spread and thin the tow. I expect it may be a combination of pressure with some form of combing device. Wondering if anyone on the forum has knowledge of how this is done?
I imagine the fibre is basically dragged over/around a round bar or edge with some pressure to force it flatter.
Yes, I have been experimenting along those lines. This technique works although it seems is difficult to get a consistent width. I may need to adjust the number and diameter of the cylinders in my test jig. Also, since my initial post I found a commerical post for an offshore company that produces 'spread tow'. They mentioned using air pressure to distribute the tow but there was no details or images....cheers/