Preform Charges And Fixtures Therefor

Abstract

A preform charge is formed by forming an assemblage of preforms, wherein preforms in the assemblage are bonded to a neighboring preform such that the preform charge effectively becomes a single unit. The preform charge can then be added to a mold to fabricate a part via compression molding.

Claims

1. A method for forming a fiber composite part, the method comprising: providing at least a first preform charge having only a single, continuous length of prepreg, and having a shape that substantially conforms to at least a first portion of a mold cavity into which the at least preform charge is to be placed; placing the at least first preform charge in the mold cavity; closing the mold cavity; and applying heat and pressure to the at least first preform charge to form the fiber composite part.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein providing at least a first preform charge comprises 3D printing the first preform charge.

3. The method of claim 1 comprising: providing a second preform charge having only a single, continuous length of prepreg, and having a shape that substantially conforms to at least a second portion of the mold cavity, and adding the second preform charge to the mold cavity prior to closure.

4. The method of claim 3 wherein providing at least a second preform charge comprises 3D printing the second preform charge.

5. The method of claim 4 wherein providing at least a first preform charge comprises 3D printing the first preform charge.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein providing at least a first preform charge comprises adding an insert to the first preform charge.

7. The method of claim 6 wherein the insert is threaded.

8. The method of claim 6 wherein the insert is selected from the group consisting of metal rods and active components.

9. The method of claim 6 wherein the insert comprises an active component selected from the group consisting of mechanical components, electromechanical components, electrical components, optical components, and piezoelectric components.

10. The method of claim 6 comprising removing the insert.

11. The method of claim 1 comprising performing a non-destructive test method on the at least first preform charge prior to placing same in the mold cavity.

12. The method of claim 1 wherein the prepreg comprises carbon fiber.

13. The method of claim 1 comprising machining or laser ablating the at least first preform charge.

14. The method of claim 1 comprising creating a feature in the at least first preform charge to facilitate registration to the mold cavity.

15. The method of claim 3 comprising creating a first feature in the first preform charge and a second feature in the second preform charge to facilitate mating the first and second preform charges to one another.

16. The method of claim 1 comprising providing a second preform charge, and adding same to the mold cavity prior to closing the mold cavity, wherein the second preform charge comprises an assemblage of preforms, each preform in the assemblage consisting essentially of a fiber bundle and a polymer resin, the fiber bundle including a plurality of fibers and characterized by an aspect ratio, defined as the ratio of width to thickness, in a range of about 1.0 to 2.0, wherein the assemblage is bound together.

17. The method of claim 16 wherein each preform in the assemblage has a substantially circular cross section.

18. The method of claim 1 comprising adding a preform to the mold cavity prior to closure, wherein the preform has a substantially circular cross section and does not have a form factor of tape, sheet, or a laminate of sheets.

19. A method for forming a fiber composite part, the method comprising: providing a first preform charge having only a single, continuous length of prepreg; providing a second preform charge; placing the first preform charge and the second preform charge in a mold cavity; closing the mold cavity; and applying heat and pressure to the first preform charge and the second preform charge to form the fiber composite part.

20. The method of claim 19 wherein providing at least a first preform charge comprises 3D-printing the first preform charge.

21. The method of claim 20 wherein providing at least a second preform charge comprises 3D-printing the first preform charge.

22. The method of claim 19 wherein the second preform charge has only a single, continuous length of prepreg.

23. The method of claim 19 wherein the second preform charge comprises an assemblage of preforms, each preform in the assemblage consisting essentially of a fiber bundle and a polymer resin, the fiber bundle including a plurality of co-aligned fibers, wherein the assemblage is bound together.

24. The method of claim 19 comprising creating a first feature in the first preform charge and a second feature in the second preform charge to facilitate mating the first and second preform charges to one another.

25. The method of claim 19 wherein providing a first preform charge comprises sizing and shaping the first preform charge to conform to a first portion of the mold cavity, and providing a second preform charge comprises sizing and shaping the second preform charge to conform to a second portion of the mold cavity.

26. The method of claim 19 comprising adding an insert to at least one of the first preform charge and the second preform charge.

27. The method of claim 19 comprising adding a bead of resin to the mold cavity.

28. A method for forming a fiber composite part, the method comprising: 3D-printing a first preform charge; providing a second preform charge; placing the first preform charge and the second preform charge in a mold cavity; and applying heat and pressure to the first preform charge and the second preform charge to form the fiber composite part.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] FIG. 1 depicts a method for making a part via a compression molding process using a preform charge in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the invention.

[0040] FIG. 2A depicts a system for making a preform for use in the method of FIG. 1.

[0041] FIG. 2B depicts a method for making a preform charge in accordance with the present teachings, for use in the method of FIG. 1.

[0042] FIG. 3 depicts sub-operations for use in molding a part in the method of FIG. 1.

[0043] FIG. 4 depicts an embodiment of a preform charge, wherein all fiber bundles within the charge are the same length and linear.

[0044] FIG. 5 depicts an embodiment of a preform charge, wherein the preform charge includes a weight adjustment.

[0045] FIG. 6 depicts an embodiment of a preform charge, wherein fiber bundles have different lengths.

[0046] FIG. 7 depicts an embodiment of a preform charge, wherein fiber bundles have different diameters.

[0047] FIG. 8 depicts an embodiment of a preform charge, wherein the fiber bundles have a different length and a different alignment.

[0048] FIG. 9 depicts an embodiment of a preform charge, wherein an insert is included with the fiber bundles.

[0049] FIG. 10 depicts an embodiment of a preform charge, wherein one bundle functions as a stem, being orthogonal and out-of-plane to other fiber bundles.

[0050] FIG. 11 depicts an embodiment of a preform-charge fixture suitable for forming preform charges of the type depicted in FIGS. 4-10, wherein the preforms composing the preform charge are be arranged in a cavity.

[0051] FIG. 12 depicts an embodiment of a preform charge, wherein the fiber bundles are not axially aligned.

[0052] FIG. 13 depicts an embodiment of a preform-charge fixture suitable for forming the preform charge of FIG. 12.

[0053] FIG. 14 depicts an embodiment of a preform charge, wherein a fiber bundle is bent.

[0054] FIG. 15 depicts an embodiment of a preform charge, wherein straight fiber bundles having different orientations are reinforced by curved fiber bundles.

[0055] FIG. 16 depicts an embodiment of a preform-charge fixture suitable for forming the preform charge of FIG. 15.

[0056] FIG. 17 depicts an embodiment of a preform charge including an interlocking fiber bundle.

[0057] FIG. 18 depicts an embodiment of a preform-charge fixture suitable for forming the preform charge of FIG. 17.

[0058] FIG. 19 depicts an eleventh embodiment of a preform charge, wherein reinforcing tape is used to help bind the fiber bundles.

[0059] FIG. 20 depicts an embodiment of a preform charge comprising a rib-and-sheet structure, wherein fiber bundles are arranged into a rectangular form at the perimeter of a sheet.

[0060] FIG. 21 depicts a female mold for use in a compression molding process, wherein preforms, preform charges, or both are being placed in a mold to fabricated a part in accordance with the present teachings

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Definitions

[0061] The following terms are defined for use in this description and the appended claims: [0062] “Fiber” means an individual strand of material. A fiber has a length that is much greater than its diameter. For use herein, fibers are classified as (i) continuous or (ii) short. Continuous fibers have a length that is about equal to to the length of a major feature of a mold in which they are placed. And, similarly, continuous fibers have a length that is about equal to that of the part in which they will reside. Short fibers have a length that is shorter than the length of a major feature of the mold in which they are placed, and typically comparable to the length of minor features of the mold. The term “short fiber,” as used herein, is distinct from the “chopped fiber” or “cut fiber,” as those terms are typically used in the art. In the context of the present disclosure, short fiber is present in a preform and, as such, will have a defined orientation in the preform, the mold, and the final part. As used generally in the art, chopped or cut fiber has a random orientation in a mold and the final part. Additionally, as used herein, the length of “short fiber” will be based on the length of the smaller features of a mold (they will be comparable in length). In contrast, the length of chopped or cut fiber typically bears no predefined relationship to the length of any feature of a mold/part. [0063] “Continuous” fiber or fiber bundles have a length that is about equal to the length of a major feature of a mold in which they are placed (and the final part). [0064] “Short” fiber or fiber bundles have a length that is shorter than the length of a major feature of the mold in which they are placed, and typically comparable to the length of minor features of the mold. [0065] “Tow” means a bundle of fibers (i.e., fiber bundle), and those terms are used interchangeably herein unless otherwise specified. Tows are typically available with fibers numbering in the thousands: a 1K tow, 4K tow, 8K tow, etc. [0066] “Prepreg” means fibers that are impregnated with resin. [0067] “Towpreg” means a fiber bundle (i.e., a tow) that is impregnated with resin. [0068] “Preform” means a sized, or sized and shaped portion of towpreg, wherein the cross section of the towpreg has an aspect ratio (width:thickness) of between about 0.25 to about 6. The term preform explicitly excludes sized/shaped (i) tape (which typically has an aspect ratio—cross section, as above—of between about 10 to about 30), (ii) sheets of fiber, and (iii) laminates. [0069] “Preform Charge” means an assemblage of preforms that are at least loosely bound together so as to maintain their position relative to one another. Preform charges can contain fiber in form factors other than that of fiber bundles, and can contain various inserts, passive or active. [0070] “About” or “Substantially” means+/−20% with respect to a stated figure or nominal value.

[0071] Other than in the examples, or where otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing, for example, quantities of ingredients used in the specification and in the claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the following specification and attached claims are understood to be approximations that may vary depending upon the desired properties to be obtained in ways that will be understood by those skilled in the art. Generally, this means a variation of at least +/−15%.

[0072] Also, it should be understood that any numerical range recited herein is intended to include all sub-ranges encompassed therein. For example, a range of “1 to 10” is intended to include all sub-ranges between (and including) the recited minimum value of about 1 and the recited maximum value of about 10, that is, having a minimum value equal to or greater than about 1 and a maximum value of equal to or less than about 10.

[0073] The towpreg that is sized or sized and shaped to form preforms for use herein includes thousands of individual fibers, typically in multiples of a thousand (e.g., 1k, 10k, 24k, etc.). Although all of the preforms depicted in the Figures are cylindrical (i.e., have a circular cross section), they can have any suitable cross-sectional shape (e.g., oval, trilobal, polygonal, etc.).

[0074] The individual fibers in the towpreg/preforms can have any diameter, which is typically, but not necessarily, in a range of 1 to 100 microns. Individual fibers can include an exterior coating such as, without limitation, sizing, to facilitate processing, adhesion of binder, minimize self-adhesion of fibers, or impart certain characteristics (e.g., electrical conductivity, etc.).

[0075] Each individual fiber can be formed of a single material or multiple materials (such as from the materials listed below), or can itself be a composite. For example, an individual fiber can comprise a core (of a first material) that is coated with a second material, such as an electrically conductive material, an electrically insulating material, a thermally conductive material, or a thermally insulating material.

[0076] In terms of composition, each individual fiber can be, for example and without limitation, carbon, glass, natural fibers, aramid, boron, metal, ceramic, polymer filaments, and others. Non-limiting examples of metal fibers include steel, titanium, tungsten, aluminum, gold, silver, alloys of any of the foregoing, and shape-memory alloys. “Ceramic” refers to all inorganic and non-metallic materials. Non-limiting examples of ceramic fiber include glass (e.g., S-glass, E-glass, AR-glass, etc.), quartz, metal oxide (e.g., alumina), aluminasilicate, calcium silicate, rock wool, boron nitride, silicon carbide, and combinations of any of the foregoing. Furthermore, carbon nanotubes can be used.

[0077] Any resin—thermoplastic or thermoset—that bonds to itself under heat and/or pressure can be used. Exemplary thermoplastic resins useful in conjunction with embodiments of the invention include, without limitation, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), nylon, polyaryletherketones (PAEK), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polycarbonates (PC), and polycarbonate-ABS (PC-ABS), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyetherimide (PEI), polyether sulfones (PES), polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyphenylsulfone (PPSU), polyphosphoric acid (PPA), polypropylene (PP), polysulfone (PSU), polyurethane (PU), polyvinyl chloride (PVC). An exemplary thermoset is epoxy.

[0078] A preform charge, as disclosed herein, can consist of as few as two preforms or include as many as are required for a particular part. A single preform charge can comprise preforms that have fibers and/or resins that are different from one another. It is preferable to have the resin be the same through all preforms in a preform charge, but this is not necessary as long as the different resins are “compatible;” that is, as long as they bond to one another. A preform charge can also include inserts that are not fiber based.

[0079] Preforms, Preform Charge, and Part Fabrication

[0080] FIG. 1 depicts a block diagram of method 100 for creating a molded part using a preform charge, in accordance with the illustrative embodiment of the invention. In accordance with operation S101 of method 100, a preform is created.

[0081] FIG. 2A depicts system 200 for creating a preform, as per operation S101.

[0082] System 200 includes pultruder 202 and preformer 204. The pultrusion process is used to create a fiber bundle that is impregnated with resin (i.e., towpreg). This process, as performed by a pultruder, is well known in the art (wikipedia.org/wiki/Pultrusion). The feed to pultruder 204 is, for example, pelletized resin and raw fiber (usually provided on spools). If towpreg is available as a feedstock, then the pultruder can be bypassed.

[0083] The towpreg, however obtained, is fed to preformer 204. The preformer comprises one or more devices that are capable of cutting the resin-infused fiber bundle to a size appropriate for use in a specific mold, and, as desired, for bending or otherwise shaping the sized segment of fiber bundle.

[0084] Returning now to FIG. 1, after a plurality of preforms are created per operation S101, they are used to create a preform charge, per operation S102. FIG. 2B depicts a block flow diagram of a method for creating a preform charge.

[0085] A preform charge is formed from plural preforms, and is typically created using a preform-charge fixture. The preform-charge fixture, examples of which are depicted in FIGS. 11, 13, 16, and 18 and described later in this specification, is designed to create a preform charge having a specified geometry and size. A number of different preform charges all having a simple geometry with common features may be formed using a single preform-charge fixture. This is the case, for example, for preform charges 400 through 1000 depicted in respective FIGS. 4 through 10, which can all be formed via preform-charge fixture 1140 of FIG. 11. However, as the geometry of a preform charge increases in complexity, such common features are less likely and each such preform charge will then typically require a dedicated preform-charge fixture. It is within the capabilities of those skilled in the art to design, build, and operate a preform-charge fixture to fabricate a preform charge having a specified geometry.

[0086] With reference to FIG. 2B, and in accordance with operation S201, a preform is placed in a preform-charge fixture. Query, at operation S202, whether all required preforms have been placed in the fixture. If “no,” another preform is added to the preform-charge fixture. This process can performed robotically, wherein after a preform is created per operation S101, it is moved, such as via a pick-and-place robot, into/onto the preform-charge fixture. Once the requisite number of preforms have been added to the preform-charge fixture (i.e., “yes” to the query), or as each preform is added, the preform(s) are physically constrained per operation S203, such as by clamps.

[0087] In embodiments in which the towpreg includes a thermoplastic resin, the constrained preforms are softened, in accordance with operation S204, such as via the application of heat, energy, etc. In various embodiments, the heat to bond individual preforms to each other is provided by a hot plate, a hot implement such as soldering iron, or hot air. Additionally, other methods can be used to bond individual preforms, particularly in situations in which the preforms do not readily bond to one other. Such other methods include, without limitation, ultrasonic welding, friction welding, lasers, heat lamps, chemical adhesives, and mechanical methods such as lashing.

[0088] The temperature at which the preforms will soften is a function of the particular thermoplastic resin used. It is within the capabilities of those skilled in the art to determine the temperature at which any given thermoplastic resin will soften. Typically, this temperature is greater than or equal to the heat deflection temperature of the particular thermoplastic. For example, for PA6 (nylon 6), the heat deflection temperature is about 320° F., and this is the temperature at which a PA6-based preform will soften. The force to bond the heated preforms can be gravity (for thermoplastics). For thermosets, or if more force is necessary for thermoplastics, force can be supplied by the end effector on a pick-and-place robot, or clamps. However constrained, the preforms abut one another, and they join/tack to one another (for thermoplastics, the tacking is complete with the removal of heat). This organized assemblage of preforms defines a preform charge.

[0089] The station at which preform charges are formed can include a scale to weigh the preform charges and adjust weight, as necessary. In some embodiments, frequency-based non-destructive methods are used to detect fiber breakages, fiber misalignment, cracks, and voids before transferring the preform charge to the mold.

[0090] In operation S205, the preform charge is removed from the fixture, such as via a pick-and-place robot.

[0091] It is notable that in some embodiments of the invention, the preform charges are assembled via a preform-charge fixture at a location proximal to where the preforms are created. In some other embodiments, the preform charges are formed at a location that is intermediate between the location of preform creation and the mold.

[0092] In some embodiments, the preform charge consists of a single, continuous length of prepreg. This may be implemented, for example, via 3D-printing. Using a 3D-printed preform charge may dispense with the need for a separate tacking/bonding operation.

[0093] Dimensional accuracy of the preform charge can be important in certain situations. Preform charges can be machined or laser ablated to achieve a predetermined tolerance or to create certain features to mate with other preform charges, preforms, the mold cavity, or the pick-and-place gripper of a robot.

[0094] Referring again to method 100 of FIG. 1, after forming one or more preform charges, a part is molded per operation S103. FIG. 3 depicts an embodiment of sub-operations for molding a part.

[0095] In accordance with sub-operation S301, one or more preforms, or one or more preform charges, or one or more of both preforms and preform charges, are placed in a mold cavity. In some embodiments, the preform charge may be transferred by a pick-and-place robot directly from the preform-charge fixture to the mold cavity. In some other embodiments, after the preform charge is created, it is robotically transferred to an intermediate holding tray. In such embodiments, the preform charge(s) are transferred from the holding tray to the mold cavity.

[0096] The preforms and preform charges are sized and shaped for the geometry of the mold cavity and, typically, to achieve a certain fiber orientation in discrete regions of the part, such as to meet certain performance specifications. The amount of preforms/preform charges to be added to the mold cavity is based on the anticipated weight of the part being molded, as calculated based on part volume and the density of the molding material (i.e., preforms/preform charges).

[0097] Once the requisite amount of preforms and/or preform charges are added to the mold cavity, the mold is closed, per sub-operation S302. In accordance with well known compression molding protocols, heat and pressure is applied and the part is molded. [own] In some embodiments, an intermediate cavity is used where all preform charges are placed and then consolidated at once by heating the cavity. The intermediate cavity readily disassembles, or the consolidated charge is readily removed, to expose the consolidate preform charge for inspection before it is transferred to a mold cavity.

[0098] Exemplary Preform Charges and Fixtures

[0099] FIGS. 4-10, 12, 14-15, 17, 19, and 20 depict embodiments of preform charges, each having different architectures. It is to be understood that the number of preforms shown in any particular figure is strictly for illustrative purposes, and that the various architectures of the preform charges are not restricted to any particular number of preforms. That number is dictated, rather, by the size of the mold, among any other considerations.

[0100] FIG. 4 depicts preform charge 400 comprising plural—in this embodiment four—preforms 420 that are joined together. Each preform 420 is an appropriately sized segment of towpreg having plural fibers 416 impregnated with resin 418. In this embodiment, each preform 420 in preform charge 400 has the same length, diameter, and orientation.

[0101] FIG. 5 depicts preform charge 500, which comprises preform charge 400 of FIG. 4 with weight-adjustment feature 524. It is useful in molding to match the preform weight to the desired weight of the final part, or to sometimes use a predetermined higher weight for overfilling of the mold cavity. Due to the variability in towpreg composition and accuracy in cutting and bending preforms, it is difficult to match weight within a desired tolerance zone by simply counting preforms. In such cases, it is common, in the prior art, to weigh the preforms and then add or subtract weight as necessary by either cutting existing preforms or using custom-cut additional preforms.

[0102] In some embodiments, the preform charge is designed to always be no greater than the desired weight. After or during assembly, the preform charge is weighed and, as necessary, weight is added. Weight is added via a nozzle that dispenses a bead of the resin material, or, alternatively, via a separate machine that cuts a requisite amount of towpreg that is smaller in diameter than the preforms of the preform charge and/or has a different length that the preforms in the preform charge, such as weight adjustment towpreg 524. Weight can be subtracted from the preform charge, by, for example, machining or laser ablating.

[0103] In some other embodiments, the fiber volume fraction or weight fraction could be measured and adjusted by adding or subtracting (such as via laser ablation) resin from the preform charge. Fiber volume fraction can be measured by various non-destructive methods such as ultrasonic, acoustic, or radiographic.

[0104] FIG. 6 depicts preform charge 600 having preforms of different lengths, including relatively longer preforms 620 and relatively shorter preforms 622. This type of preform charge is especially useful for parts having some smaller features, wherein accordance with the method disclosed in applicant's co-pending application Ser. No. 16/509,801, the shorter fibers (from shorter-length preforms) are flowed into the smaller features, and the relatively longer fibers (from longer-length preforms) do not flow, but rather remain in the main portion of a mold cavity.

[0105] FIG. 7 depicts preform charge 700 comprising a first group of preforms having a relatively smaller diameter and a second group of preforms having a relatively larger diameter. In some embodiments, the preforms in the two groups comprise identical material; they simply have a different diameter. This is useful for filling molds or cavities of specific shapes. In addition to including preforms having different diameters in a preform charge, preforms having different cross-sectional shapes can be used to more efficiently fill mold cavities of a specific shape. In some alternative embodiments, the preforms in each group can be made of different materials. For example, in some embodiments, one of the groups comprises carbon fiber and the other group comprises glass fiber, both having the same resin. Preform 700 can have more than two groups of preforms, and/or and a different number of preforms in each group than depicted.

[0106] FIG. 8 depicts preform charge 800 having two groups of preforms 820 and 822, wherein the two groups of preforms align with different axes, and have different lengths. In the illustrative embodiment, the axes with which the preforms align are orthogonal to one another. This type of preform charge is particularly useful for plunger-type molds, as disclosed in applicant's co-pending US application entitled “Method for Compression Molding Using Transverse Out-Of-Plane Plunger,” Attorney Docket 3181-003us1. For example, relatively shorter preforms, such as preforms 822, can flow first into the mold to fill smaller features, and relatively longer fiber bundles, such as preforms 820, flow last into the mold to fill large features and connect the smaller features to the larger structure.

[0107] FIG. 9 depicts preform charge 900 with preforms 920 and insert 924. In some embodiments, the insert is removable at an appropriate time during the molding process to create an axially aligned through-hole (diamond-shaped in this embodiment) in preform charge 900. In some other embodiments, insert 924 is intended to be non-removable such that it is to be an integral component, such as a sensor, bus, threaded insert, etc., of the final part.

[0108] In preform charge 900, insert 924 protrudes beyond the ends of preforms 920. The protruding ends of insert 924 can be used, for example, to register preform charge 900 with features of a mold cavity into which the preform charge is to be placed. In this embodiment, insert 924 is depicted as extending the full length of preform charge 900. In some other embodiments, however, an insert extends only part of the way into the preform charge. In yet some additional embodiments, the insert is completely embedded in the preform charge. Although insert 924 is depicted as being “diamond-shape,” the insert can be of any shape.

[0109] FIG. 10 depicts preform charge 1000 having stem 1024. The stem can be another preform of material identical to that of preforms 1020, or it can be resin material only, or a separable part. The stem can be used, for example, to facilitate grabbing a preform charge from the fixture in which it is formed, such as by using a pick-and-place robot. The robot then transfers the preform charge to a mold or, alternatively, to an intermediate holding tray. Stem 1024 is particularly useful for placing preform charges in deep mold cavities. In some embodiments, the stem is part of the preform charge and becomes part of the final part after compression molding. In some other embodiments, stem 1024 is separable and is removed by the pick-and-place robot.

[0110] FIG. 11 depicts preform-charge fixture 1130 suitable for forming preform charges of the type depicted in FIGS. 4-10. Preform-charge fixture 1130 includes plate 1132, cavity 1134, clamp 1136, heat/energy source 1138, interrelated as shown.

[0111] In preform-charge fixture 1130, cavity 1134 is formed in plate 1132. The cavity has a simple rectangular geometry, enabling it to be used with a variety of different preform-charges. In the illustrative embodiment, cavity 1134 is being used to create preform 400 depicted in FIG. 4. After all preforms situated in cavity 1134, clamp 1136 drops downward to plate 1132 to apply pressure to the preforms. Heat source 1138, which in this embodiment is a tube that conducts hot air into cavity 1134, is used to soften the preforms so that they can tacked together.

[0112] In preform-charge fixture 1130, the function of the cavity (i.e., cavity 1134) is organize the preforms into the orientation/geometry required for creating a desired preform charge. In some other embodiments, that functionality is provided by a plurality of “cleats” and clamps. The arrangement of the cleats is dictated by the geometry of preform charge. Preforms are positioned, either robotically or by hand, against the cleats. The clamps restrain the preforms against the cleats. As with preform-charge fixture 1130, after the preforms are immobilized, they are heated (if the polymer resin is a thermoplastic).

[0113] FIG. 12 depicts multi-axial preform charge 1200, wherein two preforms 1220 of identical length cross each other orthogonally. Multi-axial preform charges can consist of any number of preforms, they can cross each other at any angle, and they can cross at any location along the length of the preforms. A multi-axial preform charge, such as preform charge 1200, is useful for creating parts with intersections.

[0114] FIG. 13 depicts preform-charge fixture 1330 suitable for forming preform charge 1200 of FIG. 12. Preform-charge fixture 1130 includes the same elements as preform-charge fixture 1130. The only difference is the geometry of cavity 1334 as compared to cavity 1134 of preform-charge fixture 1130.

[0115] In preform-charge fixture 1330, cavity 1334 formed in plate 1332 has two cavity portions that cross one another orthogonally and at the midpoint of each cavity portion. Cavity 1334 receives appropriately sized preforms, two of which are depicted positioned over the cavity. After the requisite amount of preforms are added to cavity 1334, clamp 1336 drops downwardly to plate 1332 to apply pressure to the preforms. Heat source 1338, which in this embodiment is a tube that conducts hot air into cavity 1334, is used to soften the preforms for tacking.

[0116] FIG. 14 depicts preform charge 1400 with having one straight preform 1420 and one bent preform 1422. Preform charges including bent preforms are used to accommodate specific part patterns and fiber orientations in molds. Bent preforms can be very complex, consisting of several bends in 2D or 3D space. Bent preforms can also function as a registration feature for a preform charge, the one or more bent preforms being used to orient the preform charge within a mold wherein only one such preform charge orientation is possible.

[0117] FIG. 15 depicts preform charge 1500 having a multi-axial configuration like preform charge 1200, but also having a reinforced intersection point by virtue of two “u” shaped tows 1522. Such reinforcement improves the properties of the part at the point of intersection of preforms 1520. In some other embodiments, a single “u” shape preform is used for reinforcement, as a function of desired part performance and the part's loading scenario.

[0118] FIG. 16 depicts preform-charge fixture 1630 suitable for forming preform charge 1500 of FIG. 15. Preform-charge fixture 1630 includes plate 1632, cavity 1634, clamps 1636A and 1636B, and heat/energy source 1638, interrelated as shown.

[0119] In preform-charge fixture 1630, cavity 1634 formed in plate 1632 has a geometry suitable for accommodating the preforms the compose preform charge 1500. Preform-charge fixture 1630 includes two clamps, wherein to ensure that the relatively more complicated arrangement of preforms are appropriately constrained prior for tacking. In this embodiments, heat/energy source 1638 for softening (thermoplastic resin) is a laser.

[0120] FIG. 17 depicts preform charge 1700. In this preform charge, preform 1722 partially wraps around straight preform 1720. This type of preform charge is used, for example, to increase strength in specific directions within parts.

[0121] FIG. 18 depicts preform-charge fixture 1830 suitable for forming preform charge 1700 of FIG. 17. Preform-charge fixture 1830 includes the same elements as preform-charge fixture 1630. The only difference is the geometry of cavity 1834 as compared to cavity 1634 of preform-charge fixture 1630.

[0122] To form preform charge 1700, straight preform 1720 is placed in the appropriate segment of cavity 1834, followed by bent preform 1722. Multiple instances of either or both such preforms may, of course, be added to cavity 1834, as appropriate.

[0123] FIG. 19 depicts preform charge 1900, wherein reinforcing tape 1926 assists in binding preforms 1920. In preform charge 1900, the tape is partially wrapped around preforms 1920. In some other embodiments, the tape fully wraps preforms 1920. In yet some further embodiments, tape 1926 is wrapped in a helical pattern around and over the length of preforms 1920. Preform charge 1900 is useful for reinforcing rib-and-sheet structures (see FIG. 20) or adding strength and stiffness in one or both orthogonal directions to the long axes of the preforms 1920.

[0124] FIG. 20 depicts preform charge 2000 comprising a rib-and-sheet structure, wherein preforms 2020 are arranged into a rectangular form at the perimeter of sheet 2026. In some embodiments, a single preform 2020 is used to form each “rib.” In some alternative embodiments, plural preforms 2020 are used to each rib. Gaps 2028 in the preforms 2020 that form each rib depicts the two end points of the preform. The gaps in one rib are offset from those in the adjacent rib. This results in stronger ribs. Sheet 2026 can be made from unidirectional or woven prepreg tape, a laminate of prepreg tape or sheet, chopped towpreg, metal, plastic, or any combination of the foregoing. Ideally, the resin material of the fiber bundles and the sheet is identical or blend-compatible. The sheet is shown as flat but, in other embodiments, could be a more complicated shape.

[0125] The preform charges depicted in the various Figures are representative of a number of geometries that are useful in the creation of parts via compression molding. Such preforms charges are presented by way of illustration, not limitation. It is to be understood that there is a practically limitless number of geometries for preform charges, and a nearly limitless number of permutations in terms of the constituent preforms used therein. In light of the present teachings, those skilled in the art will be capable of designing and fabricating preform charges to facilitate the compression molding of any particular part.

[0126] Using Preforms and/or Preform Charges in Compression Molding

[0127] FIG. 21 depicts female mold 2140 for use in conjunction with a compression-molding process. In some embodiments, female mold 2140 is filled with one or more preform charges, such as preform charge 2100, and then subjected to heat and pressure in accordance with compression-molding protocols, well known in the art. In some other embodiments, female mold 2140 is filled with a plurality of preforms, such as preforms 2120, and then subjected to heat and pressure in accordance with compression molding protocols. And in some yet further embodiments, female mold 2140 is filled with one or more preform charges, such as preform charge 2100, as well as one more more preforms, such as preforms 2120.

[0128] The selection of preforms only, versus preform charges only, versus both preforms and preform charges for a given mold is a function of the size and shape of the mold cavity, the presence of small features in the mold cavity, and the location and size of discrete regions requiring a particular fiber alignment, among other considerations.

[0129] It is to be understood that the disclosure describes a few embodiments and that many variations of the invention can easily be devised by those skilled in the art after reading this disclosure and that the scope of the present invention is to be determined by the following claims.