CPC B29C 43/265 (2013.01) [B29C 43/44 (2013.01); B29C 43/52 (2013.01); B29C 70/50 (2013.01); B29K 2995/004 (2013.01); B29K 2995/0039 (2013.01)] | 20 Claims |
1. A method of continuous compression molding a consolidated thermoplastic matrix composite material, the method comprising:
providing a thermoplastic matrix composite material (TMCM), which includes a thermoplastic material, to a continuous compression molding machine (CCMM); and
during the providing:
(i) heating the TMCM, within a heat zone of the CCMM, to an initial temperature that is above a melt temperature of the thermoplastic material;
(ii) cooling and consolidating the TMCM, within a consolidation zone of the CCMM, to a subsequent temperature;
(iii) relaxing stress within the TMCM, within a stress relaxation zone of the CCMM, at a stress relaxation temperature;
(iv) demolding the TMCM from a mold of the CCMM within a demold zone of the CCMM and at a demold temperature that is greater than a glass transition temperature of the thermoplastic material; and
(v) periodically compressing the TMCM, with the mold of the CCMM, to form the TMCM to a desired shape for the consolidated thermoplastic matrix composite material.
|