Moulding apparatus

A method for manufacturing thermoplastic composites using a system for manufacturing thermoplastic composites comprising:

• a molding apparatus comprising a first thermally conductive flange and a second thermally conductive flange, said first and second thermally conductive flanges delimiting a cavity configured to receive thermoplastic pre-impregnated textiles, and a mold thermally conductive and thermoregulated by a heat transfer fluid comprising an upper impression and a lower impression, said upper and lower impressions being configured to receive said first and second thermally conductive flanges, and
• at least one press comprising an upper press platen on which the upper impression of the thermoregulated and thermally conductive mold is fastened and a lower press platen on which the lower impression of the thermoregulated and thermally conductive mold is fastened
• the method for manufacturing thermoplastic composites comprising the following steps:
• A. Providing thermoplastic pre-impregnated textiles comprising fibers and a thermoplastic matrix,
• B. Inserting the thermoplastic pre-impregnated textiles into first and second thermally conductive flanges,
• C. Transferring the thermally conductive flanges into a first press of said at least one press comprising a mold thermally conductive and thermoregulated by a heat transfer fluid,
• D. Preheating the thermally conductive flanges through the mold in said first press,
• E. Pressing the thermally conductive flanges,
• F. Transferring the thermally conductive flanges into an Infra-Red (IR) oven,
• G. Heating the thermally conductive flanges under Infra-Red to fuse the thermoplastic matrix,
• H. Transferring the thermally conductive flanges into a second press of said at least one press comprising a mold thermally conductive and thermoregulated by a heat transfer fluid, wherein the first press and the second press are the same press or separate presses,
• I. Cooling the thermally conductive flanges in said second press,
• J. Pressing the thermally conductive flanges in said press,
• K. Extracting the thermally conductive flanges from said press and
• L. Unmolding the thermoplastic composites.