Compression Molding of Thermoplastic Fiber Composites with Tilted Sheet Handling

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

The invention describes a molding process and molding system for forming thermoplastic fiber composite sheets. The process involves preheating a flat semi-finished product, picking it up with a manipulator, tilting or holding it in a specific orientation, and then placing it into a press cavity for shaping. The key innovation is the use of controlled orientation (tilting or holding upright) of the heated composite prior to pressing, enabling efficient handling and molding, especially of narrow parts.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Manufacture of lightweight automotive components with complex shapes
• Production of narrow construction materials or structural parts
• Creation of customized fiber composite parts for aerospace or sports equipment
• Automated forming of thermoplastic composite panels in manufacturing lines

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Allows efficient and precise manufacturing of narrow and complex-shaped fiber composite parts
• Improves automation and reduces manual labor in the composite molding process
• Enhances product consistency and quality through controlled handling of heated materials
• Reduces waste and increases the yield by minimizing deformation or damage before molding

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Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a compression molding method comprising the steps of: preheating at least one plate-shaped semi-finished product made of thermoplastic fiber-reinforced composite plastic in a heating device; gripping and removing the semi-finished product from the heating device with a handling device; introducing the preheated semi-finished product into a cavity of a press with the handling device; and pressing a punch of the press into the cavity. The invention further relates to a corresponding compression molding system. In order to be able to efficiently produce narrow components in this manner, the invention provides that the compression molding method has the following step between the removal and the introduction: tilting and/or holding the preheated semi-finished product with at least one holding element of the handling device in an orientation tilted relative to a horizontal alignment or upright orientation, wherein the at least one semi-finished product is introduced into the cavity in this orientation by the handling device.