Fiber orientation in continuous fiber-reinforced thermoplastics/metal hybrid joining via multi-pin arrays

Abstract Continuous fiber-reinforced thermoplastics (CFRTs) can in combination with high-strength metals offer characteristics that cannot be achieved mono-material parts. One possible example is the of locally high-temperature resistance metal component superior weight-related mechanical properties due to CFRT component. This approach requires a reliable and durable joining technology, which considers material-specific allows exploit full potential CFRT/metal hybrid A promising field use metallic pins, embedded heated create form-fitting joint. In current state art, primarily single-pins are investigated characterized: especially distinct fiber orientation direct pin pressing process only described for single-pin joints. Behind this background, present study aims at creating an understanding mechanism multi-pin arrays. Therefore, scope study, unidirectional reinforced glass fiber/polypropylene samples joined via infrared heating different 1D 2D multi-pins arrays pin-diameters, spacing distributions. The resulting joint morphology consequently analyzed using micro-computer-tomography. Based on performed investigations, model displacement proposed, first recommendations design fiber-friendly joints reinforcements given. It showed pin-spacing dependency diameter critical fully reconsolidated quality, it suggested pin-offset direction beneficial process.