Thermoforming

In thermoforming, pre-consolidated thermoplastic fiber composite laminates or preforms are formed from fixed separate plies into complex shells, reinforcing structures or inserts for overmolding. The semi-finished material to be formed is melted in the IR heater field, draped onto the tool and shaped. The organosheets are handled automatically using a 6-axis robot or a lowerable transfer frame. To control the forming process, grippers can lock or release specific forming directions.
In addition to fully impregnated semi-finished products, hybrid textile semi-finished products consisting of:

• Thermoplastic matrix fibers (PEEK, PEI, PPS, PA6)
• Reinforcing fibers: carbon, aramid, glass or natural fibers (flax, hemp, cotton)

processed in the form of fabrics, nonwovens and yarns. Our equipment is capable of processing temperatures of up to 450 °C. Depending on the tool concept, the processing is carried out with isothermal or variothermal tools, always with the focus on process and quality optimization. Process and tool development are secured by simulations of forming and distortion behavior. More…