A New Vacuum Consolidation Technique for Cost EffectiveProduction of a Thermoplastic CFRP Rudder

摘要

New developments in thermoplastic CFRP manufacturing and joining technique encourage forrnmore intensive use in aircraft manufacturing. An innovative approach for a new consolidationrntechnique, as well as a vacuum welding and forming technique will be outlined in this paper. Thernpotential of these manufacturing technologies in combination with several joining techniques isrndemonstrated by production of a fighter aircraft rudder. With respect to the whole manufacturingrnprocess chain a significant cost reduction of 28 % compared to thermosets in serial standard couldrnbe achieved.