Mechanical Engineering Commons^™

Using Open Source Compression Molding And Vacuum Forming To Incentivize Localized Recycling: An Integrated Thermoforming Solution, Morgan C. Woods

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

This work aims to make thermoforming more accessible to incentivize prosumer participation in localized recycling by providing a combined open source 12” x 12” compression molding and vacuum forming tool. The hardware was validated across a series of applications, each providing a different economic or functional incentive. For prosumers, this included compression forming 1/4" recycled polycarbonate and HDPE sheets, 20-gauge vacuum sheets, and vacuum formed applications with savings of up to 99.9% over commercial sources for 100-part batch production case studies. For researchers and commercial interest, the hardware was used to produce ASTM D695 standard samples of 1:1 silica sand …

Evaluation Of Warpage For Composite Automotive Components, Eric J. Martin

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Thermoplastic composite parts are manufactured using compression molding for the purposes of assembly in a car seat sub-assembly. Concerns about the dimensional accuracy of the parts prompted an investigation into the part warpage. The warpage of the parts needs to be evaluated for the purposes of determining processing conditions which are linked to part warpage, in order to reduce part warpage.

Laser line probes (LLP) are becoming a more attractive tool for the purposes of part inspection. LLPs quickly acquire point cloud data from complex surfaces and are a non-contact method of measurement; these qualities make LLPs the best tool …