Title: Vacuum-Bag-Only (Vbo) Consolidation of Tc1225 T1100G Thermoplastic Composite Laminates Prepared Via Automated Fiber Placement (Afp) at Varied Nip Temperatures

Authors: Terry C. Hines1, D. DeWayne Howell1

DOI: 10.33599/nasampe/s.24.0033

Abstract: "Vacuum-bag-only (VBO) consolidation remains a key process in unlocking the ability to make large thermoplastic parts in production settings, as it eliminates the need for large and expensive autoclaves. The use of automated fiber placement (AFP) to create preforms for these large parts takes full advantage of the properties of thermoplastic tapes that allow for high-rate manufacturing. Toray Advanced Composites (TAC) has developed a thermoplastic tape that allows these two processes to be combined, which is essential for conquering the challenges of making stronger and lighter aerospace parts at high volume. This paper details how Toray’s Cetex® TC1225 T1100G performs in VBO consolidation following AFP processing at a range of temperatures when compared to hand-layup and autoclave consolidation. TAC’s material showed excellent consolidation and key mechanical properties regardless of AFP nip temperature, which should allow for even faster AFP processing, enabling part manufacturers to reduce cycle times and increase throughput."

References: [1] Toray Advanced Composites (2021, September 7). Electroimpact, Toray, and Janicki Advance Processing Technologies for Rapid Manufacture of Large Thermoplastic Composite Parts. Retrieved January 11, 2024, from https://www.toraytac.com/media/news-item/2021/9/7/Electroimpact%2c-Toray%2c-and-Janicki-Advance-Processing-Technologies-for-Rapid-Manufacture-of-Large-Thermoplastic-Composite-Parts [2] ASTM Standard E794-06(2018), 2018, “Standard Test Method for Melting And Crystallization Temperatures By Thermal Analysis,” ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, 1999, DOI: 10.1520/E0794-06R18, www.astm.org [3] ASTM Standard E793-06(2018), 2018, “Standard Test Method for Enthalpies of Fusion and Crystallization by Differential Scanning Calorimetry,” ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, 1999, DOI: 10.1520/E0793-06R18, www.astm.org [4] ASTM Standard D6484/D6484M-23, 2023, “Standard Test Method for Open-Hole Compressive Strength of Polymer Matrix Composite Laminates,” ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, 1999, DOI: 10.1520/D6484_D6484M-23, www.astm.org [5] D. Howell, “Achieving the Renaissance in Manufacture of Large Integrated Aerostructures via Thermoplastic Composite Technologies,” Thermoplastic Composites Conference - ACMA, March 2022

Conference: SAMPE 2024

Publication Date: 2024/05/20

SKU: TP24-0000000033

Pages: 13

Price: $26.00