CompositesWorld
Issue link: https://cw.epubxp.com/i/620463
JANUARY 2016 26 CompositesWorld INSIDE MANUFACTURING 4 This MDF stair wedge mold (above) and a stair unit mold (not shown) were used to lay up foam-cored (top) and carbon-skinned locating/attachment wedges and stairs. 5 The stair wedges were located using the central fxture tower (see inset at right) and then bonded with PRO-SET adhesive. The spiral spar with wedges attached (removed from tower) is shown below. 1 A technician positions a portion of the spiral-shaped foam preform, which doubled as the stairway's CFRP spar layup mandrel, on the base of what would be the mandrel fxturing system to come. The compass rose used to locate it and the fxturing tower can be seen drawn on the surface of the base. 3 The foam preform was frst rigidized (left), then the spar laminate was built, using hand-layed prepreg, and cured in a temporary Mylar oven (right). 2 A medium-density fberboard (MDF) fxturing system comprised this central tower to which fve horizontal rods or "halos" reached out to locate and secure the spiral foam-core spar preform. Source (all step photos) | Clear Carbon and Components