Optimization of In-situ Fiber Placement and processing

Eight years of developing fiber placement technologies at Automated Dynamics Corporation (ADC) has resulted in robust manufacturing process for commercial and applications. In-situ consolidation technologies have been adapted for sporting good products, down hole piping, and industrial rolls and shafts. High performance thermoplastics such as PEEK, Nylon and PPS have been the candidate materials. The limitation of broad scale commercialization and adaptation to aerospace applications are high speed throughput, surface finish quality and process control and monitoring. This program will increase throughput rates by an order of magnitude and address the subject areas of surface finish and process control. Phase II activities will implement these subject areas and address thermoplastic drive shaft applications for the NAVY.