THERMOPLASTIC PROCESSING TECHNOLOGIES TOWARDS INDUSTRIALIZATION

Abstract

f you want to use thermoplastic composite materials for aircraft structures with an economic advantage over the production of conventional constructions, you have to set up fast and automated processes. One of the key technology field is the joining of mostly large structures with high demands on the connection properties. [1] The HoTStufF consortium (LuFo6.1 project, funded by the BMWK) is focusing on the associated challenges, with a particular interest and a close cooperation of Premium Aerotec GmbH. The advancement of different welding technologies, the combined process of thermoforming and co-consolidation and additive pre- and post-processing will be addressed. The resistance welding shows a high maturation grade, ultrasonic welding can be used most flexibly at complex structures. An integration of local joining during thermoforming shows great connection quality and nearly no process time extension. Through an additive matrix application defined weld seam edges with improved mechanical properties can be created.