Use Case
Use Case – Part 1
PBF-LB/M [Ti-6AL-4V] OGV (Metal AM)
Using metal AM to produce vane fittings for the OGV increases design freedom and reduce the sensitivity to global supply chain disruptions. However, uncertainty in the process and material integrity are vital to ensure reliable and safe flights to enable the full potential for AM.
RTM OGV (Fiber Polymer Composite)
Manufacturing of the outlet guide vane using resin transfer molding will enable high volume production and higher dimensional stability. In addition to this, the method of co-bonding the titanium fittings to the composite airfoil body – using adhesive films as the bonded interface between the two parts – will minimize the need for secondary bonding operations and subsequently lower overall cycle times per part, thus leading to a cheaper product.
Prepreg OGV and bonding (Fiber Polymer Composite)
Manufacturing of the outlet guide vane using prepreg compression molding and specialized thin ply prepreg materials will lead to a superior product in terms of mechanical performance due to a high degree of control over the void content and fiber volume fraction within the composite airfoil body. The titanium end fittings are injection bonded to the composite structure in a secondary process which is proven to provide better bonding between the surfaces.