Method and Apparatus for Forming Thick Thermoplastic Composite Structures

A method and apparatus are used to pre-consolidate and de-bulk a thermoplastic composite ply stack prior to full consolidation and forming to the final part shape. Pre-consolidation and de-bulking is achieved by heating the ply stack to a temperature below the melting point of the thermoplastic in o...

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Bibliographische Detailangaben
Hauptverfasser: FOX JAMES RODNEY, WILKERSON RANDALL DOW
Format: Patent
Sprache:eng
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Beschreibung
Zusammenfassung:A method and apparatus are used to pre-consolidate and de-bulk a thermoplastic composite ply stack prior to full consolidation and forming to the final part shape. Pre-consolidation and de-bulking is achieved by heating the ply stack to a temperature below the melting point of the thermoplastic in order to soften the plies, and then compress the ply stack.