3.3 The processes

Pre-Preg

There are several stages to the transformation of prepreg carbon fibre sheets or fabric:

• 2-axis CNC ply cutting
• Laser-assisted manual or automatic (special machines) draping on shaped moulds
• Vacuum compacting
• Autoclave polymerisation at 180°C, 7 bar nitrogen
• Unmoulding
• 5-axis machining
• 3D and health/material ultrasound inspection
• Priming and painting
• Assembly of fittings

 SEMI-AUTOMATIC DRAPING OF ACOUSTIC PANELS FOR LEAP 1A ENGINE

 RECTILINEAR PREFORMING OF FUSELAGE FRAMES

 AUTOMATIC BENDING OF FUSELAGE FRAMES

RTM

RTM (Resin Transfer Molding)

DUQUEINE Group has experience in the production of structural parts using this injection technology. Our RTM units are equipped with automated lines from the production of textile preforms to the finishing steps via the production of preforms, injection, polymerisation and machining.

The principle? This process consists of a low pressure, a resin through dry reinforcements previously installed in the mold which is then closed for injection.

The injection is done under pressure (5 bars) and with a certain temperature depending on the resin used.

DUQUEINE Group masters the Design and Manufacturing of:
• sub-preformed textiles (and their molds)
• injection (and their molds)

Infusion

This process consists in impregnating dry carbon reinforcements placed on shaped molds by draining the liquid epoxy resin through a closed tank under vacuum and at ambient temperature.

Mainly used in the case of parts with large dimensions in small series, infusion is a process that enables us to respect geometric and dimensional tolerances, while guaranteeing very good mechanical characteristics.
DUQUEINE Group integrally manages the design and production of masters and molds.
The principle? This process consists of impregnating dry reinforcements by draining the resin using a vacuum through a closed bag without pressure and at ambient temperature.

Thermoplastics

DUQUEINE Group masters the Design and transformation process of thermoplastic resins (PA I2, PPS, PEI and PEEK) for the production of composite parts.

Mostly used for complex shapes, this process, under strong growth allows for the reduction of production time and the production of high performance parts with high production rates.

Today, DUQUEINE produces serial parts for the DEFENSE and other applications that must remain confidential.

Means information

Autoclave and Oven Curing
6 Multifunction presses
From 15 to 300 tonnes
Table dimensions minimum (press INTER-HYDRO / 30T)
830 x 500 mm
Table dimensions maximum (press MAE / 300T)
2070 x 1060

Compression Molding

Compression Molding is an industrial production process for composite parts using Thermosets and Thermoplastics.

The principle? Consists of compressing, using a press, a raw or preformed material that then increases in temperature for curing, thus giving the part the required mechanic and geometric characteristics.

It is used for structural parts with complex shapes and for serial production.
DUQUEINE Group masters several off these processes:
- MFP (Matriçage de Faisceaux Pré-imprégnés) Invented and Patented by DUQUEINE
- SMC (Sheet Moulding Compound)
- (HexMC (Hexcel Moulding Compound)
- TMC (Thick Moulding Compound)