A method forms a butt joint between ends of first and second plies and splices the first and second plies together. The method includes the steps of: positioning a first splice edge of a first ply at a first location; positioning a second splice edge of a second ply at a second location, the second splice edge being left bare; wrapping a gum strip around the first splice edge such that the first gum strip forms a U-shaped structure in section that allows the first gum strip to extend from a first planar side of the first ply over the first splice edge to a second opposite planar side of the first ply; not wrapping a gum strip around the second splice edge; placing the first splice edge in abutting relationship to the second splice edge; and stitching the first splice edge to the second splice edge such that stitches each extend from the first planar side of the first ply, through the gum strip, to the first planar side of the second ply.

Laser transparent compositions that may be black in color. The laser transparent compositions may include a matrix material that includes a polypropylene, a dye system that includes one, and optionally two or more, polar organic compounds, a plurality of glass fibers, and a UV stabilizer. Methods of laser welding, which may include irradiating a laser absorbing composition that contacts a laser transparent composition at an interface.

Laser transparent compositions that may be black in color. The laser transparent compositions may include a matrix material that includes a polypropylene, a dye system that includes one, and optionally two or more, polar organic compounds, a plurality of glass fibers, and a UV stabilizer. Methods of laser welding, which may include irradiating a laser absorbing composition that contacts a laser transparent composition at an interface.

Composite fabrication system and associated methods. In one embodiment, a composite fabrication system comprises a molding tool that includes a forming surface at least partially disposed within a constrained space, and a foamable material that expands inside of the constrained space to form an expanded material that presses a layup of one or more composite layers against the molding tool. The composite fabrication system further comprises a curing device configured to cure the layup to form a composite part, and a cutting wire embedded in the constrained space that is heated and configured to cut the expanded material into pieces that are removable from the constrained space.

Composite fabrication system and associated methods. In one embodiment, a composite fabrication system comprises a molding tool that includes a forming surface at least partially disposed within a constrained space, and a foamable material that expands inside of the constrained space to form an expanded material that presses a layup of one or more composite layers against the molding tool. The composite fabrication system further comprises a curing device configured to cure the layup to form a composite part, and a cutting wire embedded in the constrained space that is heated and configured to cut the expanded material into pieces that are removable from the constrained space.

A preform-charge fixture creates a preform charge, which is a partially consolidated assemblage of preforms that can be efficiently transferred to a mold to create a finished part in a molding process, such as compression molding. In the illustrative embodiment, the preform-charge fixture includes peripheral cleats that are movable towards a central cleat to create a small gap therebetween that receives and constrains preforms in a desired position. The fixture also includes clamps, which are operable to engage an uppermost layer of preforms in the gap and apply a slight amount of downward pressure thereto to assure that the preforms are properly seated. The fixture also accommodates an energy source that heats the preforms so that, in conjunction with downforce applied by the clamps and/or gravity, the preforms can be tacked together, forming the preform charge.

A preform-charge fixture creates a preform charge, which is a partially consolidated assemblage of preforms that can be efficiently transferred to a mold to create a finished part in a molding process, such as compression molding. In the illustrative embodiment, the preform-charge fixture includes peripheral cleats that are movable towards a central cleat to create a small gap therebetween that receives and constrains preforms in a desired position. The fixture also includes clamps, which are operable to engage an uppermost layer of preforms in the gap and apply a slight amount of downward pressure thereto to assure that the preforms are properly seated. The fixture also accommodates an energy source that heats the preforms so that, in conjunction with downforce applied by the clamps and/or gravity, the preforms can be tacked together, forming the preform charge.

A sealing device for sealing edges of composite fiber components includes a strip feeder to apply a thermoplastic semifinished product to a cut edge of a composite fiber component, and an ultrasonic welding apparatus to thermoplastically or integrally join the thermoplastic semifinished product to the cut edge of the composite fiber component by ultrasonic welding.

A sealing device for sealing edges of composite fiber components includes a strip feeder to apply a thermoplastic semifinished product to a cut edge of a composite fiber component, and an ultrasonic welding apparatus to thermoplastically or integrally join the thermoplastic semifinished product to the cut edge of the composite fiber component by ultrasonic welding.

Disclosed is a PVC composite material, and more particularly is a high-strength cut-proof PVC composite material, including a PVC film and a steel wire mesh. The PVC film is laminated to upper and lower surfaces of the steel wire mesh by hot pressing. The PVC film is prepared from 45-55 parts by weight of suspension polyvinyl chloride resin powder, 24-28 parts by weight of diisononyl phthalate, 4.5-7 parts by weight of dioctyl adipate, 1.0-2.5 parts by weight of epoxidized soybean oil, 1.0-2.5 parts by weight of liquid barium-zinc stabilizer, 10-15 parts by weight of activated light calcium carbonate, 0.15-0.25 part by weight of anti-mildew agent and 1.5-2.2 parts by weight of organic pigments. The PVC composite material of the invention is produced by the lamination of the PVC film to the ultra high-strength steel wire mesh.