METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FORMING THICK THERMOPLASTIC COMPOSITE STRUCTURES

摘要

A method and apparatus are used to pre-consolidate and de-bulk a thermoplastic composite ply stack (16) prior to full consolidation and forming to the final part shape. Pre-consolidation and de- bulking is achieved by heating the ply stack (16) to a temperature below the melting point of the thermoplastic in order to soften the plies (18), and then compress the ply stack (16).