METHOD AND DEVICE FOR MANUFACTURING A THERMOPLASTIC SANDWICH STRUCTURE COMPRISING A THERMOPLASTIC FOAM LAYER AND FIBER-REINFORCED THERMOPLASTIC COVER LAYERS

摘要

A method and device for manufacturing a sandwich structure comprising at least one foam layer of a first thermoplastic comprising a chemical blowing agent and two cover layers. The decomposition temperature of the chemical blowing agent is higher than the melting point or range of the first thermoplastic. The method comprises a series of steps performed on an advancing starting structure including heating under pressure in order to cause decomposition of the blowing agent, intermediate cooling, foaming at a constant volume and further cooling.