Press forming of thermoplastics for aerospace and automotive
2018-12-05

Surface Generations' PtFS multiplexing system allows for one-shot stamp-forming of composite components

UK-based Surface Generation, a provider of carbon fibre processing technologies, is working with the University of Warwick’s Manufacturing Group (WMG) and AGC AeroComposites (AGC) to develop new composite press-forming processes for automotive and aerospace manufacturers.

Surface Generation is developing new press-forming mould faces using its patented PtFS technology for the production of high-performance thermoplastic composite components. By integrating Surface Generation’s active thermal management technologies into the mould face itself, WMG and AGC are able to continuously adapt heating and cooling levels for each mould area and process stage in real-time, with the expectation of improving both the quality and throughput of compression moulding applications.

The work is in support of the Composites Innovation Cluster’s Thermocomp project, which is seeking to develop short cycle time, high volume manufacturing processes that can be used by automotive and aerospace manufacturers for producing carbon fibre-reinforced thermoplastic components.

Ben Halford, chief executive at Surface Generation, said: “PtFS provides automotive and aerospace manufacturers with a new level of sophistication in compression moulding. The ability to dynamically control the heat applied to each mould area throughout the cure cycle means manufacturers can quickly and cost-effectively upgrade existing production lines for thermoplastic composites and significantly reduce their cost of production. As part of an integrated production line PtFS makes it possible for manufacturers to achieve one minute Takt times for thermoplastic components.”

Geraint Williams, project manager at WMG, said: “A major barrier to mainstream adoption of … fibre-reinforced thermoplastics within the automotive sector is the difficulty of economically achieving short cycle times within a high volume production environment. PtFS technology has the potential to meet this challenge by eliminating process stages and enabling manufacturers to rapidly form composite components using a one-shot stamp-forming process.”

While Dave Conway, materials technology director at AGC, said: “Aerospace manufacturers recognise that every gramme counts … but traditional press forming processes are not economically viable for producing even medium volume complex shaped parts. By incorporating its revolutionary PtFS process into conventional press forming processes, Surface Generation has opened the door to a very exciting new era in aerospace manufacturing.”