TPRC aids the composites industry with the course ‘Advanced forming of thermoplastic composites’
On the 22nd and 23rd of May, the ThermoPlastic composites Research Center (TPRC) organized a 2-day advanced level course about the press-forming process for thermoplastic composites.
During this event the participants learned the ins and outs of the press-forming technology. The course combined classroom sessions with practical lab exercises and elaborated on the following topics:
- Process parameter selection based on material properties
- Effect of tool design on manufacturability and part quality
- Influence of blank handling systems on formability
- The cause of process induced defects and tricks to prevent these
- The use of predictive process simulation tools
After a hands-on ‘Composite Forming Simulation’ – training session under the supervision of instructors from TPRC’s partner AniForm Engineering, the participants virtually worked out a forming strategy for a complex part using the AniForm software. This strategy was then put into practice using TPRC’s 200 tons forming press under the guidance of experienced engineers. This exercise demonstrated clearly how computer aided process design can accelerate part development.
Composite Forming Simulation – training session given by AniForm Engineering
TPRC aims to educate the composite industry via interactive courses such as the ‘Advanced Forming Course’. This event was organized to share specific knowledge of the forming process. An additional benefit of the course is that it brings together industry and academia which encourages dynamic interaction and collective learning, which in turn can lead to innovation.
Due to the success of the first ‘Advanced Forming of Thermoplastic Composites’- course, the TPRC will organize another session on September 5th and 6th 2017.
