The potential of Insitu Laser-AFP for thermoplastic composites for high performance structures

Abstract

This talk gives an overview of the current state for Insitu Laser Automated Tape Placement for thermoplastic composites at the DLR. The process allows in-situ manufacturing of large-scale, complex structures. Using this tapeplacement facility, expensive and time-consuming manual processes such as preforming and vacuum bagging processes are not necessary. Furthermore, the process data acquisition and monitoring system allows the component to be analysed in-situ, reducing the costs of non-destructive testing. This facility has been used to produce structures from a number of thermoplastic materials, including PEEK, PEKK, and PPS, for both real-world applications and fundamental engineering material research. Ongoing projects at this facility include the in-situ integration of stiffening elements to aircraft skins, and research on additional welding and joining processes.