Investigating TP-AFP process parameters through a mechanical testing approach

The present work investigates a non-standard approach for tuning TP-AFP process parameters, employing an in-house-designed setup for CF/PEEK ring coupons production and mechanical testing to assess interlaminar shear strength (ILSS). The TP-AFP setup features a laying head based on hot gas torch heating source, controlled pressure on a compaction roller, IR thermal monitoring, all operated by a six-degrees-of-freedom (DOF) robotic anthropomorphic arm. Through a non-standard split-disk setup, ILSS is thus evaluated, with its relation with key process parameters such as laydown speed, pressure, and temperature investigated. Although there is a high scatter level of the mechanical characterization parameters of the specimens, the analysis highlights how there is a direct dependence between the AFP process parameters – especially the temperature – and the ILSS values calculated through the split-disk testing carried out.