Repair of endless fibre-reinforced thermoplastics using LASER-based techniques

Abstract

The challenges of mechanical machining fibre reinforced thermoplastics like delamination, fibre tearing, rapid tool wear and, though, heat affection are well known. Nevertheless, the relevance of CFRPs in the industrial community is still increasing. To accomplish general acceptance, it must been shown that repair is possible to the points of failures or defective areas without big expenses; and, if possible, without significant impact on mechanical properties. Due to the advantages regarding reshaping or welding, new methods for machining and treatment as well as for consolidation are needed to close the technological gap. For several steps of the repairing process, repair concepts for endless fibre reinforced thermoplastic parts and structures have to be adapted or developed, like the removal and scarfing out of the damaged area or the fusion of patch and laminate within a suitable melting process. This presentation describes the implementation of a laser system based treatment of endless fibre reinforced thermoplastic laminates whose mechanical properties had been compromised by an external damage. In addition, an opportunity to ensure the joining between the patch and the defective laminate by melting will be presented.