Title: Rapid High-Performance Molding (RAPM) for Small Parts

Authors: Gail L. Hahn and Thomas K. Tsotsis

DOI: 10.33599/nasampe/s.19.1388

Abstract: RApid high-Performance Molding (RAPM) for Small Parts is a program under the Tailorable Feedstock and Forming (TFF) initiative of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency/Defense Science Office (DARPA/DSO) to revolutionize the cost paradigm for small composite parts enabling pervasive use in defense applications that are insensitive to part mix and rate fluctuation. Aerospace-capable, composite-material product forms and forming techniques inspired by industrial-automotive composite materials and manufacturing technologies are being developed by a Boeing-led team to achieve a reconfigurable manufacturing cell featuring modular tooling and rapid heating/cooling with pixelated zones to win design/manufacturing trades for composite small parts enabling transition of these technologies and their spinoff benefits across the supply network. Stakeholders are interested in improving “throughput” and gaining better understanding of small-part (and process) composite trade space and processing techniques for repeatable part quality. Defense customers are also interested in agility to deal with manufacturing rate because of the range of production quantities across defense applications and the frequent fluctuations in production/spares quantities across defense. Challenges, opportunities, and progress to date will be discussed for forming thermoset prepreg, thermoplastic prepreg, and resin-infused materials.

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Conference: SAMPE 2019 - Charlotte, NC

Publication Date: 2019/05/20

SKU: TP19--1388

Pages: 13

Price: FREE