TPRC lab adds press and rheometer systems for thermoplastic composites research
A Pinette PEI consolidation press and an Anton Paar rheometer will boost laminate manufacturing and characterization capabilities.
Consolidation press. Source (All Images) | TPRC
The ThermoPlastic composites Research Center (TPRC, Enschede, Netherlands) has expanded its laboratory with two new machines — a consolidation press and a rheometer — to increase its laminate manufacturing and characterization capacity, much needed for TPRC’s growing research activities that support thermoplastic composites (TPC) manufacturing.
The Pinette PEI (Chalon Sur Saone, France) consolidation uses pressure and well-controlled, uniform temperature to consolidate TPC prepregs into defect-free, aerospace-grade laminates. These laminates form the foundation for further processing, such as stamp forming and characterization of TPC in general, making it a valuable asset for ongoing and future projects.
The Anton Paar (Graz, Austria) rheometer can be used to test the viscosity of heated thermoplastic materials. It contains a small oven to heat the plastics and uses two twisting plates to measure the liquidity of the material. The machine provides data for simulations that predict the viscosity and usability of future materials. At TPRC, the rheometer will primarily be used for research on compression molding and recycling projects.
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