Rapid consolidation of thermoplastic composite components

The goal of this effort is to demonstrate innovative induction tooling capable of processing advanced thermoplastic composites into aerospace components rapidly and economically while achieving autoclave part quality. Additionally, the tooling is easily manufactured, easily modifiable, low cost, and can be run without an autoclave or press. The specific effort focuses on the development of tooling and mold inserts to demonstrate mass production of composite propeller blade components.The propeller blade components, which are leading edge/spar and trailing edge parts, will be made from LM-PAEK resin. The processing will utilize a universal mold base with Smart Susceptor mold inserts and will be run outside of an autoclave and without a press. The goal is to provide a takt-time under 20 minutes.