Shape Composites, a supplier of thermoset and thermoplastic composite performs, has developed a new process for high-volume composite parts manufacture. Recent improvements to the way in which thermoplastic carbon fibre parts are press moulded, has resulted in a significant reduction in the time taken to mould a carbon fibre part in a closed metallic mould.

The new process developed by Shape is fully automated. The company believes that the process will be applicable to the aircraft interior market and any other market where the annual rate of production out strips what the traditional autoclave cured supply chain can deliver, said a press release from the company.

“This recent development allows Shape to go out into the market knowing we can offer high volume composite part manufacture. Our new process is applicable for all industry sectors, but it is particularly suited to applications where more than 500 parts are required,” said Peter McCool, managing director of Shape Machining Ltd.

“Our process has been developed primarily for thermoplastic composites but it is also applicable to thermoset composites. We use hydraulic presses to create fast cycle times and the result is that all our parts have been extremely well consolidated,” added McCool.

Shape Machining specialises in machining metallic tools, epoxy tooling block patterns, Rohacell foams and the trimming of carbon fibre parts for the automotive, motorsport and aerospace industry. (PC)