Title: Use of Solvay’S APC UD Tape for Efficient Out-Of-Autoclave Processing

Authors: Sebastien Greber

DOI: 10.33599/nasampe/s.22.0719

Abstract: There is currently an increased focus on larger and increased complexity thermoplastic tape parts across the aerospace industry, looking to leverage the key benefits of thermoplastics. For successful adoption, however, the selected process and material combination must offer value over the traditional approach for a given application to ensure an attractive total cost of ownership (TCO). This has already been proven and industrialized for the smaller parts with the use of stamp forming of Solvay’s APC. For large parts, there are many development activities ongoing.

This paper provides an overview of Solvay’s aerospace-qualified APC thermoplastic tape, emphasizing its unique key characteristics relating to both processing and performance. The paper further discusses how APC can be a key enabler for efficient large part manufacturing focusing on Out-of-Autoclave (OoA) technologies and the ability to consolidate APC at low pressures with short cycle times. The discussion is supported by examples of Rapid Automated Fiber Placement followed by Vacuum Bag Only (AFP + VBO) processing, demonstrating attractive AFP rates and VBO cycles on thick layups.

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Conference: SAMPE 2022

Publication Date: 2022/05/23

SKU: TP22-0000000719

Pages: 13

Price: $26.00