Composites 101An introduction to composites design and manufacturing

Potential Instructors

Fred BriggsBo Pollett

Class list 11/23/13 – 13:00

Corry Lazarowitz David Stewart

Overview Introduction to Composites Manufacturing Techniques Part Selection

Simple parts

Complex parts

Vacuum Mold Making Vacuum Thermoplastic Forming

EEOP

Tool Prep Wet Layup Trimming

Introduction A composite part is defined as something that is made with more than one

material The most commonly engineered composites are filament reinforced plastics

like carbon fiber and epoxy

Materials Overview - Fibers Different fibers provide different physical

properties as well as a different look. Here are some general material categories: Fiberglass is a great all around material with

medium strength, a low cost and lower weight than wood, plastic, or metal

Carbon fiber ranges from still to really stiff and is well suited for aircraft and performance applications where weight reduction is worth the high cost

Kevlar is in between fiberglass and carbon in terms of stiffness, cost, and weight, but has a very high impact energy resistance and is well suited for impact resistant applications like boat sails and sports equipment

Materials Overview - Matrix The glue that holds the fibers together is

called a matrix. It is usually a long chain hydrocarbon based plastic, but there are lots of specialty matrix materials as well. Here are a few examples of common matrix materials: Polyester or Vinylester resin is a 1 part liquid that

required a few drops of MEKP catalyst to begin hardening. It is low cost and low strength material. Good for everyday applications like civil engineering or commercial products like surfboards.

Epoxy is a 2 part resin that has very specific mixing ratios based on the manufacturer. This resin is stronger than the esters but also more expensive.

Ceramic matrix is a powder that is kiln fired like clay to create a brittle but very high temp composite. This is often found in rocket motor parts or brake pads.

Manufacturing With a Mold Tool Painting resin on fabric is called “wetting

out” Placing carbon fabric on a tool and painting it

with resin will cause the carbon to harden in the shape of the tool

Mold Tool Wet Layup Cured Part

Mold Tool Basics Mold tools for a new part are often made with a cnc

machine If a part already exists, a mold tool can be made for

less cost by using the original part as a “master” or “plug”

The mold tool will be an inverse of the part, called a “splash”

It is important to factor in material thickness when deciding which side of a part to use for the splash

A splash can be made using various methods and materials

Vacuum thermoplastic forming

Composite wet layup

Resin casting

Latex painting

Different tool making methods have unique strengths and weaknesses

Simple Parts Select a part to use as a “master” or

“plug” The part should have a smooth

surface The part cannot be “trapped” The part must have holes sealed up

with tape or clay The part should have a continuous

edge that can be extended The part should be 1-sided or multi-

sections

Complex Parts Closed structures require

special layup methods Closed or trapped structures

require special tooling Complex and accurate cutouts

must be made with a cnc router or a waterjet cutter

Core or other inter-laminate inserts

Vacuum Thermoplastic Forming Vacuum forming can be used to create composite

molds Place the plug (original part) on the vacuum table Hold the plug in place with tape, clay, or pins Create an extended edge of part (EEOP) if the plug

has hard edges (see next slide) Heat plastic sheet Place hot plastic sheet over part and apply vacuum When plastic is cool, remove it from the vacuum

table Locating pins and edge of part scribes can be

added to the plug in order to improve the accuracy of the final product

Extended Edge of Part (EEOP) An EEOP will allow the tool

layup to go beyond the edge of the part creating a continuous edge

The composite part will be trimmed afterward and maintain the exact same shape as the original part

Tool Prep The resin will soak into the fabric and cure in

any shape, which is why an accurate mold tool is important

Resin will stick to almost anything when it cures, so a release agent like wax must be applied to the mold tool before putting resin on it

The plastic sheet tool may be flimsy and require reinforcement of some kind

Wet Layup Begin by preparing all the material you will need

for the whole layup process, a checklist can help Covered work table, gloves, mixing stick, resin, mold

tool, paintbrush, cut fabric, cleaning supplies

Mix the resin as specified by the directions, the ratio has to be very accurate and mixing has to be very thorough

Paint a layer of resin on the tool Lay the first ply of fabric on the tool being sure

to press it into all the corners Gently brush a layer of resin on top of the fabric,

be sure not to pull the fabric or it will come off the surface of the tool

Add the next layer of fabric and repeat until every ply has been used

The amount of fabric and thickness of resin coats will determine the strength and weight of the part

Set the part aside so it can cure undisturbed at 70-85 F

Trimming The part will come out of the mold

with long, rough edges The part will have to be trimmed back

to the original edge of part line This can be done with scissors or may

require a rotary tool depending on the thickness and material

The final edges should be sanded to remove any splinters

Be careful when cutting or sanding composites, the material has very sharp edges and makes toxic dust, always wear proper breathing and eye protection when trimming

Safety Precautions1. Wear a mask when working with resin and work in a well ventilated area. Working outdoors on a

warm day is the best option. Be sure not to work in an area where others may be effected by the fumes of the resin.

2. Resin can “cook off” if it is left in the cup too long. This is due to the fact that a higher volume causes more reactions and a more exponential runaway of the chemical reaction. This reaction can reach 300F and cause burns or damage. If this occurs, put the cup into a well ventilated area immediately away from other people or objects.

3. Fibers can cause rash or skin discomfort. Wear gloves when handling large amounts of material. Do not get material in contact with face, eyes or soft tissue.

4. Wear a mask when sanding or trimming composites. Composite dust is especially dangerous since it is so fine. Sanding or trimming can cause dust to get into the air, lungs, and eyes. Be sure to sand in a well ventilated area away from other people. Carbon dust is also conductive and will cause electronics to short out. Kevlar materials are especially tough and can overheat and destroy power drilling and cutting tools. Be sure to have proper cutting bits and blades for composites. When drilling composites, be sure to clamp down parts so that they cannot get caught in a drill and begin spinning.

Process Overview1. Gather prep materials: scissors, painters tape, release agent

2. Prepare mold surface: mold tool sealed or a permanent plug sanded1. Optional vacuum bagging materials: plastic film, peel ply (breather), bleeder cloth, sealant tape, suction ports

(frogs), vacuum line, vacuum gauge, vacuum pump

3. Cut fiber to size: woven sheet, filament tow, braided sock, etc.

4. Gather mixing materials: Mixing materials: cups, stir sticks, gloves, mask, cleaning agents, brushes

5. Mix matrix: polyester resin, vinylester resin, epoxy, etc.

6. Apply fibers and resin to mold surface, ensure complete wet out

7. Allow matrix to cure per manufacturers instructions1. Apply vacuum bag for lower weight final product

8. Remove part from mold using rubber or plastic shims

9. Trim part with proper rotary tools, be sure to use a mask and proper ventilation

Resources

Questions

Project 1 – Light Switch Plates Thermoform a light switch plate

Be sure to cover the holes with tape or clay

Leave witness marks to make trimming easier

Use the thermoform as a tool for layup Use one ply of carbon and one ply of glass

Vacuum bag all the plate covers in one envelope bag Use the Blacktoe CNC router to trim the holes

A jig may be used to locate the hole centers and make the process go faster

Project 2 – Wine Bottle Holder Lay carbon up carbon ply on the convexed surface

Add class plys for strength if needed

Place the core on the center of the convexed surface Add glass plys for strength if needed

Cover with carbon ply Peel ply the bag side Vacuum bag Demold and trim Clear coat the bag side for gloss finish