Title: LONG TERM AUTOCLAVE CYCLING OF ADDITIVE MANUFACTURED DEMONSTRATION TOOL

Authors: Zachary I. Skelton, Aubrey G. Jackson, Philip A. Lunn

DOI: 10.33599/nasampe/s.23.0203

Abstract: Using Large Format Additive Manufacturing, a layup mold was fabricated using Airtech’s Dahltram I-350CF for validation of performance in a production environment. Thermal cycle testing was then completed past 500 cycles to validate the longevity of high temperature polymers for autoclave use. All testing was completed at Airtech Huntington Beach using their in-house testing capabilities. During the course of these cycles dimensional stability and vacuum integrity were deemed critical and closely monitored. In addition to thermal cycle testing, a thermal and survey was run, and in-depth testing was performed on the mold to confirm that the printed tool could meet processing conditions for the greater aerospace industry. Complete testing included elevated and pressurized leak checks, long term analysis of dimensional stability, surface finish analysis, part fabrication and inspection, microscopic analysis, and thermal surveys.

References: [1] Vlastimil K., Hassen A., Lindahl J., Seokpum K., Post B., Love L. “Large Scale Additive Manufactured Tooling for Composites.” 15th Japan International SAMPE Symposium and Exhibition. Japan 2016. [2] Vlastimil K., Lindahl J., Dinwiddie D., Post B., Love L., Duty C., Matlack M., Fahey Jr. R., Hassen A. “Investigation of In-Autoclave Additive Manufacturing Composite Tooling.” The Composites and Advanced Materials Expo. Anahiem, CA 2016. [3] Skelton Z., Jackson A., Lunn P. “Thermal Cycling of Dahltram I-350CF”. The Composites and Advanced Materials Expo. Orlando, FL 2020. [4] “Thermwood and Bell Collaborate on 3D-Printed Helicopter Blade Mold.” Composites World. Francis S. February 15th, 2019. May 8th, 2020. >https://www.compositesworld.com/blog/post/thermwood-and-bell-collaborate-on-3d-printed-helicopter-blade-mold%lt;.Required reference format below.

Conference: SAMPE 2023

Publication Date: 2023/04/17

SKU: TP23-0000000203

Pages: 17

Price: $34.00