JEC World 2018 preview: TenCate Advanced Composites
TenCate Advanced Composites is highlighting its latest developments in composite material technologies for aerospace and high-performance industrial markets.
TenCate Advanced Composites (Hall 5A, V40) is highlighting its latest developments in composite material technologies for aerospace and high-performance industrial markets. Key applications include a recycled “flow layer” concept that integrates recycled thermoplastic composite materials back into the supply chain. Combining the design freedom of bulk molding compounds (BMCs) with the mechanical properties of reinforced thermoplastic laminates, the flow layer concept uses excess material derived at both component point of manufacture and end of life, achieving a near 100% buy-to-fly ratio.
For aerospace applications, TenCate Cetex thermoplastic composites have been further optimized for automated fiber placement (AFP) processing methods. High-performance systems, such as TenCate Cetex TC1320 PEKK unidirectional tapes, have been used a thermoplastic upper spar for an aircraft engine pylon as part of the TAPAS 2 (Thermoplastic Affordable Primary Aircraft Structures) project. This demonstrates the progression of continuous fiber-reinforced material technologies and formats into new territories.
TenCate AmberTool HX series composite tooling prepregs are highlighted in a novel cure capable AFP mandrel technology demonstrator. Developed as part of a recent NATEP project, designed by Composites Tooling & Engineering Solutions and built by Retrac Composites, the technology demonstrator is made from AmberTool HX42 due to its low CTE properties and high degree of machinability to achieve a highly accurate tool. Co-curing the tool with the component also results in the efficient production of highly accurate, complex aerospace structures.
TenCate Advanced Composites’ global director product and market strategy, Dr. John Darlington, is presenting a white paper on the compound benefits of a hybrid composite, spanning thermoset and thermoplastic technologies for aerospace applications during the Aerospace Conference Programme on day two of JEC World. TenCate also has been nominated as a project partner for the JEC Innovation Awards for Modular Thermoplastic Stiffening Panels. Other partners include Fraunhofer ICT, Airbus Operations GmbH, Laser Zentrum Hannover, ElringKlinger AG, and KMS Automation GmbH.
Related Content
-
Combining multifunctional thermoplastic composites, additive manufacturing for next-gen airframe structures
The DOMMINIO project combines AFP with 3D printed gyroid cores, embedded SHM sensors and smart materials for induction-driven disassembly of parts at end of life.
-
Markforged develops composite 3D printing technology
The FX10, a composite 3D print system with built-in automation, and Vega, a carbon fiber-filled PEKK material from Markforged, expand on 3D printing applications for customers.
-
Tool Gauge, Victrex partner to develop co-molded composite aircraft parts
Novel hybrid overmolding technology achieves novel thermoplastic composite parts to replace machined aluminum components on commercial aircraft, as well as reduce manufacturing costs and timeline.
