CW cost towpreg for Automated Fiber Placement

Continuous carbon epoxy towpreg for AFP (Automated Fiber Placement), its program, and tackifier compound for first layer processing have been investigated. A program for a specific compound and contoured parts has been studied and an optimized towpreg width has been determined. A continuous towpreg procedure has been developed from the following process that is tension controlled, fiber spreading, hot melt impregnation, heating in a oven, and compaction roller A continuous towpreg width is controlled and a manufacturing trial was conducted on a compound contoured tool. There was no wrinkle at the sharp contoured area. A tackifier compound is investigated from several epoxy compound and was evaluated for first layer lay-up. Continuous carbon epoxy towpreg and tackifier compound eliminate the labor cost to lay-up and scrap material. A basic AFP program technology has been established for using compound contoured parts.