Preform

Random sheet is made of multi-layers of discontinuous carbon fiber thin tapes. Therefore, it can deform in every directionandthemechanical property showshigh isotropic and low variation.We have developedthe composite sheet with high strength, high productivity and high formability by collaboration with industries.We have collaborated with Suncorona Odaon the study of thermoplastic random sheet. As shown in Fig. 1, unique continuous molding technology of random sheet has been achieved using double belt press. As shown in Fig. 2, we are studying the thermoforming process where the random sheet transforms to a complex shape part utilizinga heater, handling robot and press. Furthermore, the mechanical properties of random sheet have been studied in detail based on the experiments with tailored lay-upsin terms of thickness and fiber orientationusing a special machine shown in Fig. 3.We also have collaborated with Tecone on the study of thermoset random sheet. As shown in Fig. 4, mixed resin isinjected into a carbon fiber chopped tape preform in the mold and cured using HP-RTM machine. The technology has realizedthat a complex shape part can be produced with short cycle time.