Abstract: An apparatus for fabricating a fiber reinforced thermoplastic composite structure is described. The apparatus comprises a localized heat source arranged to heat a portion of a stack of fiber reinforced thermoplastic material layers and an ultrasonic transducer arranged to locally introduce ultrasonic energy waves to the heated portion of the fiber reinforced thermoplastic material layers. The apparatus makes it possible to achieve ultrasonic consolidation of the layers occurs.

Abstract: An apparatus for fabricating a fibre reinforced thermoplastic composite structure is described. The apparatus comprises a localised heat source arranged to heat a portion of a stack of fibre reinforced thermoplastic material layers and an ultrasonic transducer arranged to locally introduce ultrasonic energy waves to the heated portion of the fibre reinforced thermoplastic material layers. The apparatus makes it possible to achieve ultrasonic consolidation of the layers occurs.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a fiber reinforced thermoplastic composite structure comprising: placing a first layer of fiber reinforced thermoplastic material on top of a second layer of fiber reinforced thermoplastic material; providing a local heating source and locally heating a portion of at least the upper layer of thermoplastic composite material; and providing an ultrasonic transducer and locally introducing ultrasonic energy waves to the heated portion of the thermoplastic material such that ultrasonic consolidation of the fiber reinforced thermoplastic occurs.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of manufacturing a composite sheet. The method comprises (a) irradiating a sheet of fibers and a matrix film at an irradiation zone with a plasma at substantially atmospheric pressure, and (b) impregnating the sheet of fibers with the matrix at an adhesion zone. The processes (a) and (b) are performed simultaneously, and the matrix film is irradiated with a plasma at said irradiation zone after being unwound from a roller and prior to entering said adhesion zone.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of manufacturing a composite sheet. The method comprises (a) irradiating a sheet of fibres and a matrix film at an irradiation zone with a plasma at substantially atmospheric pressure, and (b) impregnating the sheet of fibres with the matrix at an adhesion zone. The processes (a) and (b) are performed simultaneously, and the matrix film is irradiated with a plasma at said irradiation zone after being unwound from a roller and prior to entering said adhesion zone.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of manufacturing a composite sheet. The method comprises (a) irradiating a sheet of fibers and a matrix film at an irradiation zone with a plasma at substantially atmospheric pressure, and (b) impregnating the sheet of fibers with the matrix at an adhesion zone. The processes (a) and (b) are performed simultaneously, and the matrix film is irradiated with a plasma at said irradiation zone after being unwound from a roller and prior to entering said adhesion zone.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a fibre reinforced thermoplastic composite structure comprising: placing a first layer of fibre reinforced thermoplastic material on top of a second layer of fibre reinforced thermoplastic material; providing a local heating source and locally heating a portion of at least the upper layer of thermoplastic composite material; and providing an ultrasonic transducer and locally introducing ultrasonic energy waves to the heated portion of the thermoplastic material such that ultrasonic consolidation of the fibre reinforced thermoplastic occurs.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a composite sheet, the method comprising: a. irradiating a sheet of fibres and/or a matrix at an irradiation zone with a plasma at substantially atmospheric pressure, and b. impregnating the sheet of fibres with the matrix at an adhesion zone; wherein processes a. and b. are performed simultaneously. A method of manufacturing a composite material, the method comprising: a. irradiating a matrix with a plasma, and b. coating a filler with the irradiated matrix.