Metal spray tooling for composite forming.
Date
2003-01-01
Authors
Wimpenny, D. I. (David I.)
Gibbons, G. J. (Greg)
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
ISSN
0924-0136
Volume Title
Publisher
Elsevier
Peer reviewed
Abstract
Thermal spraying methods have been mooted as a method of manufacturing tooling for many years and yet they have not made a significant in-road into this market. Generally, recent metal spraying research has focussed on the manufacture of small, high-pressure tools (for example, for automotive injection moulding tools). However, the metal spray process really lends itself to the manufacture of large tooling where it can compete more effectively against alternatives such as machining.
The 3-year, £ 750k, IMI Spray Mould Programme, funded jointly by EPSRC (IMI) and the industrial partners: Airbus, BAE SYSTEMS, Bombardier Aerospace Shorts, A.T. Poeton, Rover Group, and Sulzer Metco, commenced in June 1997. The aim of this research is to develop a method of manufacturing tooling for composite aerospace components, particularly large primary structures over 15 m in length. This paper will present the results of this research programme, including technical data comparing both the technical and economic advantages of this novel approach to tool construction.
Description
Keywords
RAE 2008, UoA 28 Mechanical, Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering
Citation
Wimpenny, D.I. and Gibbons, G.J. (2003) Metal spray tooling for Composite Forming. Journal of Materials Processing Technology, 138(1-3), pp.443-448.