Optimization of Stamp Forming Process for Thermoplastic Composites

Abstract

The present study is focused on the development of a two-dimensional stamping method for the manufacturing of fiber reinforced composites with thermoplastic matrix resins. Materials investigated are carbon fiber reinforced polyamide-6. Taguchi L16 orthogonal array is used in split-plot designs. The processing conditions include thermoforming temperature, mold temperature, pressure and time, required to establish high-quality parts. From the experimental results, we derive a set of best combination, A1 (90°), B2 (263°C), C1 (105°C), D1 (33 kg/cm2) and E2 (48 sec) and carry out an estimated equation for the short-beam shear strength. The results have described the correlations between processing parameters and shear stress. Finally, for verifying the prediction ability of the estimated equation, the confirmation experiments are conducted. The confirmation test result is 48.67 kg/mm², fall in the confidence interval. It shows that the prediction ability of estimated equation and the repetition of the experimental results has confirmed and accepted by the tests.