Development of Press Molding Method with Unfolded Diagram for CFRP

In the study, a novel design and fabrication method, which is simple and optimizes press moulding for CFRP based on CAD data was proposed and assessed. CFRP has come into widespread use for weight reduction of transportation equipment in recent years. However, in order to expand the range of their purpose, reduction of the production cost and increasing the molding cycle is necessary. The author focused on press molding technique to achieve this. In the case of press molding CFRP, partial buckling or fracture of the fiber occurs due to a dragged fiber caused by deforming force. As a solution to this problem, the author has used design and fabrication method for CFRP preform. In the previous research, unfolding methodology of a three-dimensional shape to a plane surface based on CAD/CAM system, which enables generation of an unfolding diagram which maintains continuity of fiber tow was proposed. Furthermore, validity of unfolded diagram had been confirmed by reproducing the objective three-dimensional shape from the unfolded diagram using CFRTS tow prepreg. In this study, CFRTP sheet were molded by using press molding to decrease the tact time for aesthetic surface.