Sigma Precision Components UK Limited (United Kingdom)
Inventor
Hyson, Graeme
Abstract
A method of manufacturing a fluid impermeable rigid composite pipe (10) or hollow tube comprising the steps of:—a. providing a supporting mandrel (15) that is shaped to define a bore of the pipe (10); b. laying onto the outer circumferential surface of the mandrel (10) one or more first tapes (11) made of a thermoplastic material thereby to create a first region (11) that is predominantly thermoplastic material adjacent the bore of the pipe (10); c. providing a plurality of tows (14) that comprise co-mingled reinforcing fibers and thermoplastic filaments; d. weaving a plurality of the tows (14) to form one or more circular braids (13) and laying down the one or more of the circular braids (13) on to the first layer (11): to form a second region (12); e. applying to the outer surface of the second region (12) a heat-shrinkable layer (13); f. heating the product of steps (b) to (e) on the mandrel (15) to a first temperature at which the thermoplastic materials of the one or more tapes 11 and the tows 14 melt and the heat-shrinkable layer 13 shrinks radially inwards to consolidate the melted thermoplastic material to form a thermoplastic matrix in which the reinforcing fibers are embedded and a fluid impermeable thermoplastic rich region (11) is formed at the bore of the pipe (10); and, g. allowing the pipe (10) to cool to form a self supporting pipe (10).
B29C 63/24 - Lining or sheathing, i.e. applying preformed layers or sheathings of plasticsApparatus therefor using threads
B29C 70/32 - Shaping by lay-up, i.e. applying fibres, tape or broadsheet on a mould, former or coreShaping by spray-up, i.e. spraying of fibres on a mould, former or core on a rotating mould, former or core
B29C 70/52 - Pultrusion, i.e. forming and compressing by continuously pulling through a die
B29C 70/08 - Fibrous reinforcements only comprising combinations of different forms of fibrous reinforcements incorporated in matrix material, forming one or more layers, with or without non-reinforced layers
B29C 35/02 - Heating or curing, e.g. crosslinking or vulcanising
B29C 53/58 - Winding and joining, e.g. winding spirally helically
B29C 63/18 - Lining or sheathing, i.e. applying preformed layers or sheathings of plasticsApparatus therefor using tubular layers or sheathings
B29C 61/00 - Shaping by liberation of internal stressesMaking preforms having internal stressesApparatus therefor
B29K 105/08 - Condition, form or state of moulded material containing reinforcements, fillers or inserts of continuous length, e.g. cords, rovings, mats, fabrics, strands or yarns
A torque shaft (20) comprising a hollow tube (22) provided with an end fitting (24, 26) at each end of a tube is made of a thermoplastic polymer matrix with reinforcing fibres embedded in the matrix, The tube (22) and end fittings (24, 26) are connected by mutually complementally shaped plugs (23) and sockets (27) that are dimensioned and positioned relative to each other to form an interference fit between the tube (22) and said plug (23) or socket (27).
SIGMA PRECISION COMPONENTS UK LIMITED (United Kingdom)
Inventor
Hyson, Graeme
Abstract
An end fitting (20, 40) for a composite pipe (10) comprising a thermoplastic matrix (14) in which is embedded reinforcing fibres braids or fabrics (15), and a method of fixing the end fitting (20), (40) to a composite pipe (10). The end fitting (20, 40) comprises a hollow barrel (21 41), that has a retaining feature (shoulder (21), teeth (45), which in use engages the bore (12) of the pipe (10) to secure the barrel (21, 41) in the pipe (10), and an external deformable collar (22, 43) which in use is capable of being swaged down onto the pipe (10) when the pipe is heated to soften the thermoplastic matrix. The pipe (10) is heated to a plastic state either by using a preheated end fitting (20, 40) or a preheated swaging tool (30).
F16L 47/24 - Connecting arrangements or other fittings specially adapted to be made of plastics or to be used with pipes made of plastics based principally on specific properties of plastics for joints between metal and plastics pipes
A method of manufacturing a fluid impermeable rigid composite pipe (10) or hollow tube comprising the steps of :- a. providing a supporting mandrel (15) that is shaped to define a bore of the pipe (10); b. laying onto the outer circumferential surface of the mandrel (10) one or more first tapes (11) made of a thermoplastic material thereby to create a first region (11) that is predominantly thermoplastic material adjacent the bore of the pipe (10); c. providing a plurality of tows (14 ) that comprise co-mingled reinforcing fibres and thermoplastic filaments; d. weaving a plurality of the tows (14) to form one or more circular braids (13) and laying down the one or more of the circular braids (13) on to the first layer (11): to form a second region (12); e. applying to the outer surface of the second region (12) a heat-shrinkable layer (13); f. heating the product of steps (b) to (e) on the mandrel (15) to a first temperature at which the thermoplastic materials of the one or more tapes 11 and the tows 14 melt and the heat-shrinkable layer 13 shrinks radially inwards to consolidate the melted thermoplastic material to form a thermoplastic matrix in which the reinforcing fibres are embedded and a fluid impermeable thermoplastic rich region (11) is formed at the bore of the pipe (10); and, g. allowing the pipe (10) to cool to form a self supporting pipe(10)..
B29C 70/02 - Shaping composites, i.e. plastics material comprising reinforcements, fillers or preformed parts, e.g. inserts comprising combinations of reinforcements and fillers incorporated in matrix material, forming one or more layers, with or without non-reinforced or non-filled layers
B29C 53/58 - Winding and joining, e.g. winding spirally helically
B29C 53/60 - Winding and joining, e.g. winding spirally helically using internal forming surfaces, e.g. mandrels
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