Consolidation Modeling during Thermoforming of Thermoplastic Composite Prepregs

On-line Adaptive Control for Thermoforming of Large Thermoplastic Sheets

Large sheet thermoforming is widely used for the manufacture of parts such as twin sheet formed gas tanks, body panels and windshields. These complex technical parts require a precise temperature map to be realized prior to forming. In particular, the material used for forming gas tanks incorporates an EVOH barrier layer that is susceptible to tearing when exact processing conditions are not st...

Void formation in composite prepregs – Effect of dissolved moisture

L.K. Grunenfelder and S.R. Nutt 1. Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0241, USA *Corresponding author: [email protected] Abstract: Void formation as a function of resin moisture content was investigated to better understand and control process defects in composite parts made from prepreg. In this study, uncured prepr...

Novel Thermoplastic Polyimide Composite Materials

Ultrasonic Assisted Consolidation of Commingled Thermoplastic/Glass Fiber Rovings

*Correspondence: Alfonso Maffezzoli , Materials Science and Technology Group, Department of Engineering for Innovation, University of Salento, via per Monteroni, Lecce 73100, Italy e-mail: alfonso.maffezzoli@ unisalento.it Thermoplastic matrix composites are finding new applications in different industrial area, thanks to their intrinsic advantages related to environmental compatibility and pro...

Diode Laser Assisted Filament Winding of Thermoplastic Matrix Composites

A new consolidation method for the laser-assisted filament winding of thermoplastic prepregs is discussed: for the first time a diode laser is used, as well as long glass fiber reinforced polypropylene prepregs. A consolidation apparatus was built by means of a CNC motion table, a stepper motor and a simple tensioner. Preliminary tests were performed in a hoop winding configuration: only the wi...