The Boeing Company
Heating of thermoplastic interlayers in a preform tool for producing a preform of a composite member

Abstract:

Systems and methods for producing a preform for a composite member. An exemplary method includes preparing a lay-up of reinforcement layers and thermoplastic interlayers, and transferring the lay-up to a preform tool. The method further includes inducing heat in the preform tool to a transition-temperature range that causes the thermoplastic interlayers to become tacky or viscous, and applying pressure to the lay-up with the preform tool to shape the lay-up into the preform.