Recently, the Automated Technologies Laboratory for Aerospace Systems (ATLAS) at Wichita
State University’s National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) began working with
Axiom Materials to produce an oxide-oxide ceramic matrix composite (CMC) prepreg using
automated fiber placement (AFP) technology.
The material, AX-7810UD-330N610, is a solvent-based unidirectional and can be used
for high-temperature applications up to 1,650 °F, such as in engine components.
Oxide-oxide CMC’s are a proven material for low density, high-temperature components
that demand high thermo-structural performance. Yet, widespread usage has been limited
due to cost and process scalability.
“Our collaboration with NIAR has allowed us to break through these barriers,” said
Wylie Simpson, Lead CMC Engineer and Supervisor at Axiom Materials. “These automated
processes significantly improve layup rates and consistency when compared to traditional
hand layup. They also lower material scrap rates and increase the size and scale of
components that may be produced.”
Several material variants were slit using NIAR’s custom-made tape slitter and tow-rewinding
machine manufactured by Mikrosam. This slitter is capable of continuous in-process
inspection to investigate the slit-tape quality in order ensure that the material
will process through the automated fiber placement head without causing manufacturing
defects.
“We made some modifications to the AFP system in order to process CMC materials so
that the tape would lay down for automated layup and part production,” said Josh Goertz,
a senior research engineer at ATLAS who has over ten years of experience with AFP
systems.
“With our partnership with Axiom, we are planning to produce a representative aircraft
part and demonstrate the slitting and AFP process for CMCs,” said ATLAS director Waruna
Seneviratne.
About Axiom
Axiom Materials, Inc. is the largest global producer of oxide-oxide ceramic matrix
prepregs on an industrial scale. Axiom is a leading provider of composite pregreg
materials, film adhesives, and tooling. www.axiommaterials.com
