An aircraft part manufacturing device for automated composite lay up
includes a mandrel tool having a an interior mandrel surface that
conforms to an outside mold line (OML) of a part: to be manufactured. One
or more circular rings surround the mandrel and are attached to the
mandrel. The circular rings rotate supported by bearings in a bearing
cradle so that the mandrel rotates concentrically with the circular rings
about an axis of rotation passing through the center of the circular
rings. A composite material delivery head delivers material directly to
the outside mold line on the interior mandrel surface while the mandrel
is rotated. A cantilever supported gantry beam supports the material
delivery head inside the interior mandrel surface. A connecting mechanism
connects the material delivery head to the gantry beam and provides
motion of the material delivery head relative to the interior mandrel
surface.