Research on On-Orbit Roll Forming Technology and Equipment for Thermoplastic Prepreg Tape

On-orbit manufacturing of large structures is a major developmental trend of spacecraft, and beam structure is the fundamental component for large structures. This paper, focusing on on-orbit manufacturing of high length-diameter ratio thermoplastic tube, proposes an integrated roll and splice forming method based on thermoplastic prepreg tapes. Based on the method, the forming process is researched, and the forming prototype is developed. The process parameters are optimized, and the experimental verification is completed. Continuous production of ϕ20mm tubes is achieved using this method. The results show that this method offers high manufacturing efficiency and the equipment can be easily miniaturized. The application of this method will lays the foundation for continuous on-orbit manufacturing of high length-diameter ratio thermoplastic tubes.