US Patent 7353580 Technique for automatically analyzing Z-pin dynamic insertion data

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a method of automatically verifying the acceptable insertion of at least one Z-pin into a composite laminate. The method comprises the initial step of positioning at least one Z-pin upon the composite laminate. Thereafter, an insertion force is applied to the Z-pin at a first level which is sufficient to commence an insertion process wherein the Z-pin is driven into the composite laminate at a first insertion speed. The insertion force applied to the Z-pin is continuously monitored, with the first insertion speed being reduced to a second insertion speed in response to a monitored increase in the insertion force from a first level to a second level. The application of the insertion force to the Z-pin is discontinued and the insertion process terminated in response to a monitored increase in the insertion force from the second level to a third level. To confirm an acceptable insertion, the reduction from the first insertion speed to the second insertion speed is verified, as is the increase of the insertion force to the third level.