Processing Continuous Filament Composite Materials

Fabricating products of continuous filament composite materials is no longer restricted to helical lathe-type filament winding and constant-area “profile” pultrusion.

Although these basic processes are still important, new primary processes are being developed as composites are called upon to meet new structural and economic needs of industry.

Continuous tube winding, pulforming, and pin or frame winding are three new processes currently being used for the production of high strength composite products in which precisely oriented reinforcements are necessary.

This paper describes these new processes with emphasis on the equipment used in the production environment.