Methods of forming near-net fiber reinforced thermoplastic composite components
US11584044B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 29, 2019 |
| Grant date | Feb 21, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 1, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29C2035/1616
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method is provided for forming a near-net thermoplastic composite component includes co-spraying a mixture comprising a thermoplastic polymer material and a chopped reinforcing material deposited onto at least one region associated with a tool having a first temperature and defining a near-net component shape. The mixture and adjacent tool is heated to a second temperature while the mixture is on the tool. The first temperature is below the solidification temperature of the thermoplastic polymer material and the second temperature is above the solidification temperature. Then, the mixture is exposed to a negative pressure to promote removal of gases from the mixture and put under compressive force to densify the mixture. The thermoplastic polymer material melts and flows. The tool is cooled to the first temperature and removing the mixture to form the near-net thermoplastic composite component having randomly oriented chopped reinforcement material distributed within a thermoplastic polymer matrix.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.