Tech Spotlight: Thermoplastic Prepreg

Gallagher is now working with several clients on a range of thermoplastic manufacturing systems. The most ambitious thermoplastic project currently in the shop is a full-scale prepreg line now in design for high-performance applications in aerospace, defense, offshore drilling and production systems, among others.

This new prepreg line can handle web formats up to 24 inches wide, using an aqueous slurry technique to impregnate carbon fibers with advanced polymers. The process includes several novel aspects that enhance the quality of the prepreg produced.

In another project, we are engaged with a company recently spun out from a leading engineering university with new technology for cross-plied laminates. Gallagher is now building a Continuous Compression Molding (CCM) machine for the company to process prepreg tapes.

On the R&D front, Gallagher has joined a new consortium with thermoplastic industry leaders who are developing a novel system to make prepreg tapes for additive manufacturing processes and other applications. We currently have a working prototype in refinement, with plans to scale-up to a full production system.

For more information about our thermoplastic capabilities, please contact us today.