Title: Materials and Processes to Produce Large Thermoplastic Parts

Authors: Daniel L. Leeser

DOI: 10.33599/nasampe/s.22.0817

Abstract: Thermoplastic composite materials are finding more and more applications in today’s commercial aircrafts. In the past 10 years thermoplastic composites have been used for interior parts, secondary structural and primary structural applications. Thermoplastics composites have a unique set of properties that make them beneficial. Not only do they exhibit excellent mechanical performance, superior damage tolerance, and low smoke and flame emissions, they also have the potential to dramatically reduce part costs due to their fast processing times and their propensity to be recycled.

Thermoplastic composites are not a new phenomenon. In 2019 alone, millions of parts were produced for commercial aircrafts that had gone through extensive qualification processes. There has been significant amount of information learned over the last decade on how to make parts by stamp forming, continuous compression molding, welding and joining, Advanced Fiber Placement, Out of Autoclave processing, and Automated Tape Placement.

This paper will focus on the processes available to produce large thermoplastic parts. Processes that will be discussed include Out of Autoclave (OOA) and Stamp Forming. The paper will explore what properties of the polymer and the composite are important to make large parts rapidly and consistently.

References: 1. NCAMP Qualification and Material Specification, High Toughness PAEK thermoplastics CETEX® TC1225 (LM PAEK) T700 145 gsm 34% RC, NMS 122 Rev B

Conference: SAMPE 2022

Publication Date: 2022/05/23

SKU: TP22-0000000817

Pages: 8

Price: $16.00