The Consolidation of Rapid Laser Deconsolidated Composite Tapes

Laser-assisted fiber placement (LAFP) is an automated manufacturing technique with promising potential to produce larger aerospace structural components using thermoplastic composites. However, during the rapid heating phase, deconsolidation of composite tapes can occur, resulting in negative effects on bond forming ability. This study aimed to...

Deconsolidation of thermoplastic prepreg tapes during the heating phase of LAFP: An experimental investigation into the effect of a resin-rich surface and tape pre-tension

Laser-assisted automated fiber placement (LAFP) is a promising additive manufacturing technique for the production of large aerospace components. Thermoplastic prepreg tapes will be placed ply-by-ply on top of a mould and in-situ consolidated. This is beneficial for higher production rates. The mechanical performance of thermoplastic composite...

Effect of Rapid Laser Deconsolidation on Intimate Contact Development

L-AFP is able to place composite tapes in very precise directions, thereby allowing tailored stiffness designs. The laser is used to heat the thermoplastic matrix material to temperatures above its melting point. CF/PEEK is a popular choice for aerospace grade structures due to the high structural performance and high glass transition and...

Effect of consolidation parameters on (de)consolidation in ultrasonic welding of thermoplastic composites

Thermoplastic composites are gaining prominence in the aerospace industry owing to their higher damage tolerance, cost-efficient means of manufacturing, and the possibility to be recycled. One of the major benefits of thermoplastics compared to thermosets is their ability to be welded, and one of the most promising welding techniques for...

Thermal deconsolidation of thermoplastic prepreg tapes during Laser-Assisted Fiber Placement

The automation of thermoplastic composite production and the drive towards out-of-autoclave processes, is of great relevance in the aerospace and lightweight composite structures industry. Hence, there is a crucial need for developing the current state of material and process understanding, in order to increase the technology readiness levels of...