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The current series production at DTC is based on press forming of single thickness fibre reinforced thermoplastic composites (laminates). This process is robust, highly repeatable, accurate, automateable and fast. Whereas thermoset composites display long autoclave curing cycles up to several hours, the DTC press forming process has a cycle time of approximately 5 minutes. The following figure schematically shows the process, consisting of a heating step, a transportation step and press forming combined with cooling.
Press forming can be done with matching metal moulds, as well as moulds consisting of a metal and a rubber part. DTC has in-house capabilities for mould design (Catia V5) and manufacturing (aluminium). After press forming, the products are also CNC machined in-house.
DTC currently has 4 hydraulic presses in Almere, with the following capacities:
- 60 ton
- 100 ton
- 200 ton
- 100 ton, dedicated to stringers up to 3 meters
For more information about our press forming qualifications, please see our certifications and accreditations.
