Pre-consolidation of thermoplastic fiber preforms and method of making the same
AssigneeCoats & Clark, Inc.
InventorsProbir Kumar Guha, Gokhan K. Coban
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A process is provided for forming a pre-consolidated fiber preform for use in a molding process. The process includes layering a plurality of preform sheets on a pre-consolidation mold. Heating the plurality of preform sheets to a first temperature. Applying a first pressure to the plurality of preform sheets using the pre-consolidated mold. Maintaining the first temperature and the first pressure and heating for a first duration of time. A second pressure and a second temperature are then applied to the plurality of preform sheets for a second duration of time.
Claims20
A process of forming a pre-consolidated fiber preform for use in a molding process, the process comprising:
- layering a plurality of preform sheets on a pre-consolidation mold;
- heating the plurality of preform sheets to a first temperature;
- applying a first pressure to the plurality of preform sheets using the pre-consolidated mold;
- maintaining the first temperature and the first pressure and heating for a first duration of time;
- and
- applying a second pressure and a second temperature to the plurality of preform sheets for a second duration of time.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.