Cheshire-based Teledyne CML Composites, an advanced composites manufacturer, has completed a significant investment in a new thermoplastic processing cell developed in colloaboration with the UK’s National Composites Centre (NCC) in Bristol.

The new processing cell utilises two press and oven systems offering IR heating, platen heating, and a maximum force of 400 tonnes. The processing cell is capable of processing multiple aerospace, high-performance reinforced thermoplastics such as PEEK, PEKK, PPS, and PEI.

It will provide a significant capacity increase at Teledyne CML Composites to support the continued growth of the aerospace composites manufacturer.

Automated manufacturing capability
John Toner, vice president and general manager, Teledyne Aerospace and Defence Electronics UK (TADE UK) and general manager of Teledyne CML Composites, said: “Having identified thermoplastics as a key technology in our long-term growth ambitions, this investment adds an exciting new automated manufacturing capability to our business and places Teledyne CML Composites at the forefront of composites manufacturing technology.

“Not just limited to thermoplastic composites, the new processing cell allows Teledyne CML Composites the ability to produce compression moulded thermoset parts. This new capability also enables the “out of autoclave” production of foam and honeycomb sandwich panels such as those used in aircraft interiors.

Increased recovery options
“The NCC is very pleased to have worked with Teledyne CML Composites on setting up this new capability, which is a real step change in the manufacture of aerospace thermoplastic composites in the UK. With manufacturing cycle times measured in minutes rather than hours, thermoplastic composites have great potential for higher rate processing in aerospace applications.

“They have the ability to be welded together for rapid assembly and are considered more sustainable than thermosets due to increased recovery options at the end of product lifetime.”

Sean Cooper, chief engineer for Defence and Space at the NCC, said: “Thermoplastic composites have great potential for higher rate processing in aerospace applications. They have the ability to be welded together for rapid assembly and are considered more sustainable than thermosets due to increased recovery options at the end of product lifetime.”

Teledyne CML Composites continues to enjoy a period of significant growth as a composites manufacturer to commercial aerospace and defence aerospace customers worldwide. For decades, this industry sector has continually expanded as designers develop enhancements to performance, range, and payload through weight reduction of new generations of aircraft, whether commercial or military.

Teledyne CML Composites’ investment in thermoplastic processing technology underscores the company’s long-term plans to play a key part in this industry sector.