CompositesWorld
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NEWS 85 CompositesWorld.com Automated Preforming, Part 2 Shape Machining Ltd. (Witney, UK) also is using TFP to produce thermo- plastic composite preforms (Fig. 4, p. 83). "Our technology came from working with Stuttgart University," says managing director Peter McCool. His company is producing ShapeTex preforms using SYNERGEX commingled fibers from Coats (Uxbridge, UK). "Our most popular materials are carbon fiber/polyamide for automotive, carbon fiber/PEEK for aerospace and carbon fiber/polypro- pylene for recreational applications," says McCool. Because the technology is based on stitching, a substrate is required, but he maintains there are many options available. "We can apply to a thin fiber scrim, recycled fiber veils or anyone's fabric," McCool explains. "We can wash it away prior to RTM and also use a variety of backing materials that are compat- ible with hot pressing of commingled laminates." With a background in Formula 1 racing and carbon fiber prepreg, McCool appre- ciates TFP's ability to align fibers only and exactly where needed. "ere is no fabric to trim or cut," he says, "so there's very little waste. With our advanced FEA capa- bility, we can be quite smart in the devel- opment of efficient preforms." e company is scaling up one auto- mated production line for aerospace and another for automotive. "For the latter, we're starting a project aimed at 15,000 parts per year," says McCool, noting that each machine is equipped, standard, with a dozen identical stitching heads, enabling it to produce as many as 12 preforms, simultaneously. "We can also lay down larger tows for higher throughput." He says Shape has already demonstrated hot pressing capability for high-quality parts and is ramping that to low annual production volumes. "e number of inquiries we've had is staggering," notes McCool. "ere is a great deal of interest in the ability to produce optimized composite parts in an industrial- ized way while minimizing waste." For more detailed discussions of these and other preforming processes, standard- ized drapability testing, preform simulation software and solutions for aerospace and wind energy structures, please see the CW Blog's Preforming series online | short.compositesworld.com/AutoPFBlog. Read this article online | short.compositesworld.com/PreformPt2 Read more about Fiber Patch Preforming online | short.compositesworld.com/Kiteboard Read more about TFP online | short.compositesworld.com/7QEhsvZ0 CW senior editor Ginger Gardiner has an engineering/materials background and more than 20 years of experience in the composites industry. ginger@compositesworld.com We create chemistry that makes countless products love added performance BASF high performance polyurethanes and engineering plastics bring extraordinary innovation to everyday life. These breakthrough materials make vehicles lighter and more fuel efficient, buildings and infrastructure more durable and energy efficient, manufacturing process and products more efficient, and a myriad of consumer dramatically better. Big ideas. Small environmental footprint. Because at BASF, we create chemistry. www.performance-materials.basf.us