Vacuum-Assisted Hot-Forming Using Tailored Laminate Temperature

Abstract A non-isothermal vacuum assisted hot-forming process using tailored laminate temperature is introduced. By simulation and manufacturing experiments, improved quality achieved compared to the standard process. Furthermore, it also shown that time in clean room can be reduced one tenth of time. In this study 8.4 mm thick quasi-isotropic laminates from unidirectional prepreg were laid up flat with an automatic tape laying machine hot-formed a U-shaped laminate. The then cured concave mould bag on inside. complete cycle 7.5 min produced very good final total thickness variation as low 4.0% without wrinkles or indications porosity. With 4 was acceptable at 8%.