More structural applications use continuous-fiber-reinforced thermoplastics thanks to easily processed materials and a better understanding of molding technology. Waterstick Inc., Port Perry, Ontario, uses an Applied Fiber Systems CFRTP fabric called RF6 to make an eight-dihedral-faced kayak paddle. The paddle surface is said to not only grab the water more effectively than conventional blades but also release surface pressure at eight precise locations along the outside edge of the blade. This produces a blade that has zero flutter while providing more bite per square inch of surface area. The thin blade design was made possible due to the high stiffness and impact resistance of the CFRTP material. Powder coated with melt-fusible thermoplastic particles, the continuous-fiber filaments are woven into fabrics or braid, formed into semirigid unidirectional tapes or ribbons, or laminated into panels. This CFRTP process weaves together strands of powder-resin-coated fibers to produce Applied Fiber Systems' TowFlex fabrics. This is in contrast to other fabrics where raw reinforcement fibers are first woven then coated. Weaving individual coated strands makes the fabric highly drapable. This is because each strand within the fabric moves freely relative to adjacent strands. In addition, the strands remain flexible because they are not fully wet out prior to molding. Complete wet out of the fabric comes during the compression-molding process. Two types of continuous-fiber-reinforced materials have recently replaced metal in many aerospace, sporting good, and industrial applications. The first and most well known are made from thermosets. Parts made from these composites are lighter and more corrosion resistant than metals. They also form more easily into complex shapes. The other, made from continuous-fiber-reinforced thermoplastic (CFRTP) materials, offers several additional benefits compared to thermoset composites. They are tougher and better withstand impacts. They mold readily and can be recycled. They also have unlimited shelf life and emit
Products & Services
Rack and Pinion Drives
Rack and pinion drives use a rotational motor to affect linear motion via a rack and pinion combination. They are used frequently in long-travel applications, such as machine tool table positioning, that require high stiffness and accuracy.
Hypoid Gears
A hypoid gear is a style of spiral bevel gear whose main variance is that the mating gears' axes do not intersect. The hypoid gear is offset from the gear center, allowing unique configurations and a large diameter shaft. The teeth on a hypoid gear are helical, and the pitch surface is best described as a hyperboloid. A hypoid gear can be considered a cross between a bevel gear and a worm drive.
Worms and Worm Gears
Worms and worm gears are gear sets that offer high gear reduction and torque multiplication with a small footprint. A worm drive is a cylindrical gear with a shallow spiral thread that engages the worm gear in a non-intersecting, perpendicular axes configuration.
Herringbone Gears
Herringbone gears, also called double helical gears, are gear sets designed to transmit power through parallel or, less commonly, perpendicular axes. The unique tooth structure of a herringbone gear consists of two adjoining, opposite helixes that appear in the shape of the letter 'V'.
Topics of Interest
19.1 INTRODUCTION
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