Developments to manufacture structural aeronautical parts in carbon fibre reinforced thermoplastic materials

Reinforced thermoplastic structural detail parts and assemblies are being developed to be included in current aeronautical programs. Thermoplastic composites technology intends to achieve improved properties and low cost processes. Welding of detail parts permits to obtain assemblies with weight reduction and cost saving. This paper describes the state of the art of the technology at EADS CASA facilities. Press rubber forming is used to manufacture fibs with carbon fibre consolidated laminates. Development of panels forming and welded assemblies is also performed. (C) 2003 Published by Elsevier B.V.