Apparatus for roll-consolidation of thermoplastic composite laminates

Abstract

An apparatus for consolidating sheets (13) of continuous graphite fiber in a thermoplastic matrix resin uses a roller (10) in conjunction with a heating surface (16) and a vacuum bag (12). A tack-welded stack of composite sheets (13) or prepreg is assembled onto a frame support structure (27) and placed into the vacuum bag (12) as an assembly (28) which is placed on a heated surface (16) whereby its temperature is elevated above the melting point of the matrix resin in the composite sheets (13). The roller (10) rolls over the bag (12) with the sheets (13) therein whereby any remaining air and gas between the sheets (13) is forced out ahead of the roller (10). After the roller (10) has passed, atmospheric pressure on the vacuum bag (12) is sufficient to prevent spontaneous delamination of the hot laminated panel formed by the sheets (13). The assembly (28) may then be moved to a cooling table (26) to complete the laminate consolidation process.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.