Abstract
For the high-cycle production of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic, the press forming of carbon fiber sheets filled with thermoplastic is investigated. In this process, carbon fiber sheets with thermoplastic are prepared before the pressing. In the first step, the prepared sheets, laminated between silicon rubber sheets, are compressed and heated using heater plates. In the second step, laminated sheets are pressed by cold dies with silicon rubber sheets. The production time of the total two steps is within 1 minute. The deformation of the carbon fiber and plastic during the press forming is investigated with relation to punch and die cushion loads. The cross section of the formed material is also observed to investigate the arrangement of carbon fibers and their contact situation with the plastic.
