Abstract
Fiber reinforced thermoplastic composites are gaining popularity in many industries due to their short consolidation cycles, among other advantages over thermoset-based composites. Computer aided manufacturing processes, such as filament winding and automated fiber placement, have been used conventionally for thermoset-based composites. The automated processes can be adapted to include in situ consolidation for the fabrication of thermoplastic-based composites. In this paper, a detailed literature review on the factors affecting the in situ consolidation process is presented. The models used to study the various aspects of the in situ consolidation process are discussed. The processing parameters that gave good consolidation results in past studies are compiled and highlighted. The parameters can be used as reference points for future studies to further improve the automated manufacturing processes.
Highlights
Fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites have very high specific strength and stiffness
For fiber reinforced thermoplastic polymer (FRTP) composite components, their fabrication using automated fiber placement (AFP) and filament winding (FW) processes can include in situ consolidation (ISC) to further shorten the processing time required
Strips of FRTP prepreg tapes are laid on a tool usually by a robot arm equipped with a fiber placement head
Summary
Fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites have very high specific strength and stiffness. These favorable properties led to FRP composites becoming more popular in many industries, such as aerospace, automotive, sports, construction, offshore, and so on [1,2,3,4,5,6,7]. The manufacturing of fiber reinforced thermoplastic polymer (FRTP) composites is generally much less time consuming due to their short consolidation cycles. The optimization of the AFP and FW processes with ISC is deliberated, with emphasis given to the physical and mechanical properties of the FRTP component fabricated, as well as the productivity of the process. A summary of the optimized processing parameters from past studies is presented, providing a basis for future studies on further improving the fabrication of FRTP components using AFP and FW with ISC
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
