TenCate Cetex® thermoplastic unidirectional tapes and woven prepregs
Highly engineered advanced composite materials, TenCate thermoplastic prepregs and unidirectional (UD) tapes are offered in a wide range of fiber/resin combinations, many adhering to large aerospace OEMs' strict specifications.
The unique resin distribution and highly predictable fiber alignment within TenCate's Cetex® thermoplastic materials are designed for in situ consolidation, press molding, and autoclave manufacturing processes. These unique characteristics make TenCate's materials ideal for large parts, while eliminating processing steps and minimizing overall cost.
With more than 40 years of thermoplastic composite innovation, we specialize in producing customized aerospace and industrial UD and prepreg solutions in our own facilities. These materials provide outstanding mechanical properties, durability, chemical resistance, and fire performance to meet a range of application demands.
Processing UD tapes
Advanced fiber placement (AFP)
Advanced Fiber Placement (AFP) is a process that uses computer-guided robotics to lay one or several layers of UD tape onto a mold to create a part or structure. During the process the UD-tape is heated via laser, hot gas or IR and in-situ bonded to the rest of the already made part through a cold roller. A top quality UD tape is paramount. Typical applications include aircraft wing skins and fuselages.
Automated tape laying (ATL)
The UD-tapes are laid in a 2D blank, in the desired stacking orientation and sequence. Each new piece is fixed to the layer below by ultrasonic or thermal welding. The final 2D part can be additionally consolidated or directly formed to make the part, depending on the machine capability. During this consolidation step the individual layers are fully bonded together. For these processes the impregnation quality is dictating the processing speed.
Wrapping
Wrapping is a technique of applying UD tape around cylindrical objects such as tanks and piping. The excellent hoop reinforcement strength and corrosion resistance of TenCate Cetex® thermoplastic composites make it suitable for spoolable piping and lightweighting tanks.
Thermoformable
The high quality consolidation of TenCate Cetex® thermoplastic composites in both UD tape and RTL formats allow for simple ‘heating and forming processes’ that take minutes.
Resources
TenCate Cetex® thermoplastics brochure
Composites World article - thermoplastic composites a view from Europe
Processing guides
Thermoplastic processing guide for interiors
TenCate Cetex® stampforming thermoplastic UD tapes processing guide
Need more information?
At TenCate our goal is your success. If you have any questions or would like to learn more, please contact us.
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TenCate Advanced Composites Netherlands
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Need more information?
At TenCate our goal is your success. If you have any questions or would like to learn more, please contact us.
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TenCate Advanced Composites USA
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