초록 ▼

A method of forming a substantially planar, multi-layer, composite article that comprises a plastics materials reinforced with fibers that extend substantially continuously in one direction in the plane of each layer is provided. The majority of the layers are aligned in a main direction B and the a

A method of forming a substantially planar, multi-layer, composite article that comprises a plastics materials reinforced with fibers that extend substantially continuously in one direction in the plane of each layer is provided. The majority of the layers are aligned in a main direction B and the article (20a) is disposed over a contoured surface of a forming tool (6). The article (20a) is constrained against movement in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the main direction layers and forces applied to the article (20a) in the plain thereof in a direction substantially perpendicular to the main direction of the fibers. The article (20a) is thereby urged into conformity with the contoured surface of the tool (6) while substantially maintaining the continuity of the fibers.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A method of forming a substantially planar, multi-layer, composite article that comprises a plastics material reinforced with fibres that extend substantially continuously in one direction in the plane of each layer, wherein a majority of the layers are aligned in said one direction, said method

1. A method of forming a substantially planar, multi-layer, composite article that comprises a plastics material reinforced with fibres that extend substantially continuously in one direction in the plane of each layer, wherein a majority of the layers are aligned in said one direction, said method comprising the steps of:disposing said article over a contoured surface of a forming tool, constraining said article against movement in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of said one direction layers, applying force to the article in the plane thereof, in a direction substantially perpendicular to the said one direction of said fibres, and towards said contoured surface of said forming tool thereby urging the article into conformity with the contoured surface of the tool whilst substantially maintaining the continuity of the said fibres.