Abstract: A forced jet convection oven is utilized to practice a vacuum bagging process for the production of thermoplastic composite laminates containing reinforcing fiber. The oven comprises a support suitable for supporting a panel wherein said support means is positioned in the oven with the upper surface of the support means being spaced apart from the oven ceiling to define a panel-receiving chamber between the upper surface of the support means and the oven ceiling, a first manifold means having a first multiplicity of outlets directed toward the upper surface of the support means wherein said first manifold means is positioned between the upper surface of the support means and the oven ceiling; and a second manifold means having a second multiplicity of outlets directed toward the upper surface of the support means wherein said second manifold means is positioned between the upper surface of the support means and the oven floor.

Abstract: A method of consolidating a fiber reinforced thermoplastic poly(arylene sulfide) composite by vacuum bagging. A fiber reinforced thermoplastic is placed between stainless steel sheets and then placed in a vacuum bag. A vacuum is applied to the bag and heat and pressure are applied to the layup to form a composite. A plurality of fiber reinforced sheets may be consolidated between a plurality of stainless steel sheets.

Abstract: Consolidation of thermoplastic composite panels in a platen press is facilitated by the positioning of resilient pads between the platens and the composite to be consolidated.