Reference #: 01207
The University of South Carolina is offering licensing opportunities for access to a method for Induction welding of glass fiber reinforced thermoplastic composites using carbon filament susceptors.
Background:
USC has developed a 3D printer for continuous carbon fiber. This machine can be used to print the receptors on a glass fiber reinforced thermoplastic polymer part. KVE developed induction welding technology; they introduced the most efficient assembly technology (KVE Induct welding technology) for carbon reinforced thermoplastic laminates available to date. The goal of the study leading up to this invention was the development of a means of making induction welding possible for glass fiber based composites, which are non-conductive and therefore in the natural state not suitable for heating by induction.
Invention Description:
The subject invention is a method for Induction welding of glass fiber reinforced thermoplastic composites using carbon filament susceptors printed with the USC 3D printing technology in combination with the induction welding IP of KVE. This will allow for faster, cheaper and more reliable assembly.
Potential Applications:
Assembly of Glass Fiber Reinforced Thermoplastic (GFRTP) and Aramid Fiber Reinforced Thermoplastic (AFRTP) parts is mostly done using adhesive bonding and/or mechanical joints. Adhesive joints are difficult to produce and not easily made reliable, especially for thermoplastics; mechanical joints are expensive and create stress concentrations that need to be compensated for in the lay-up. Induction welding is fast and based on cohesive joining which is much more reliable than adhesive bonding.
Advantages and Benefits: