A partnership with the ASCC and US Army DEVCOM Ground Vehicle System Center was formed to develop technology to reduce the weight of military ground vehicles with fiber-reinforced thermoplastic materials that reduce cost, maintain structural integrity and allow for rapid deployment.
DEVELOPMENT
Demonstration of the forming of a high-temperature thermoplastic polymer composite with a reinforced low-temperature, AM polymer mold
INNOVATION
Shorter lead-time
Less expensive
Faster cycle time
Uses less energy
Lighter
Low cost additively manufactured (AM) tooling with sheet metal modification
Design of precision formed sheet metal cladding placed on the AM mold surfaces
Technique for localized laminate heating for optimized energy input in the forming process
Advanced Structures & Composites Center
