2014 Volume 55 Issue 636 Pages 23-27
For high cycle production of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastics, press forming using a carbon-fiber-fabric-reinforced thermoplastic sheet has been performed. The deformation of crossed fibers during forming was investigated. In the press forming of a hemispherical conical cup, die clearance along the conical vertical line was determined according to the thickness increase estimated from the concentration of fibers during forming. Owing to the die clearance, the pressed profile was in good agreement with the die profile, and the deviation was only about 0.1mm. The thickness was constant along the circumference of the conical surface. There were no voids in the pressed material. Investigation of the deformation of carbon fiber fabrics and die clearance design will be important for press forming using a carbon-fiber-fabric-reinforced thermoplastic composite sheet.
