JEC World 2019 preview: Web Industries

Web Industries Inc.’s Aerospace division (Marlborough, Mass., U.S., 5/L6) is featuring its capabilities in the formatting of flexible thermoplastic composite materials for next-generation aerospace applications.

“Thermoplastic composites are gaining increased acceptance as key materials for the creation of primary and secondary aerospace structures,” says Web Industries’ Kevin Young, vice president of corporate development. “Web custom-formats a variety of thermoplastic materials for fabrication into aircraft, satellite and space vehicle components. Tailored to the exacting needs of aerostructure fabricators and aerospace manufacturers, these formatted materials can increase production rates while reducing waste.”

Web Industries processes PEEK, PEKK and PAEK thermoplastic resin prepregs into slit tapes, chopped flakes and bias ply rolls. The formatted materials facilitate the production of complex aerospace components and promote short cycle times and rapid fabrication using automated processes. The finished thermoplastic components exhibit greater toughness and durability than thermosets in certain aerospace applications. Samples of Web-formatted thermoplastic materials are on display at the show.   

Web’s PrecisionSlit cutting technology supports the slitting of thermoset and thermoplastic prepreg composite tapes to widths as narrow as .125 inch/3.2 millimeters. Web says it can match tape lengths, winding patterns, liner materials and spool sizes to specific application requirements, providing custom-formatted materials that streamline work flows, increase production rates and reduce overall waste. Web’s slit tape cutting technologies are qualified for all major automated fiber placement (AFP) and automated tape laying (ATL) machinery.