| CPC B29C 66/95 (2013.01) [B29C 66/12221 (2013.01); B29C 66/474 (2013.01); B29C 66/721 (2013.01); B29L 2031/3076 (2013.01)] | 19 Claims |

|
1. A method for joining thermoplastic components, comprising:
providing a skin comprising a skin fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composite;
providing a support member comprising a support member fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composite;
arranging a shim at an interface between the skin and the support member, the shim comprising a shim fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composite; and
welding the support member to the skin through the shim at the interface,
wherein the support member is welded directly to the skin along a first portion of the interface, and
wherein the support member is welded to the skin through the shim along a second portion of the interface.
|