Aircraft fabrications achieved by induction welding of long fibre reinforced thermoplastic composites
Problem: A TWI industrial member wished to assess the feasibility of fabricating aircraft interior constructions with long fibre
reinforced thermoplastic composite material (APC-2, a carbon fibre composite with PEEK matrix resin). The perceived advantages were the ease of fabrication over thermoset composites, speed of joining in production and more lightweight
than traditionally metallic sub-structures.
Solution: A prototype induction welding system was devised by TWI to produce sub-structures such as stiffeners for aircraft skins and interior doors/panels. The system required a PEI thermoplastic film to provide sufficient material at the joint interface and low pressure to create the welded components.
Result: The equipment was transported and installed on-site for the client and training was provided by TWI.
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