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Friction plays an important role in forming processes of thermoplastic laminates. A model is currently developed to predict the frictional properties of these materials and validation experiments are being conducted. The development of a friction measurement rig for thermoplastic composites is not straightforward. Controlling the transverse pressure profile on the laminate is essential for accurate measurements. Mould deflections and the setup type used (pullout versus pull-through) have a significant effect on homogeneity of the profile. This is validated by measurements of the pressure profile and analyses of the experimental setup. In turn, the inhomogeneity of the pressure profile can make the experimentally obtained friction properties unsuitable for model validation.

Friction is an important phenomenon that can dominate the resulting product geometry of thermoplastic composites upon forming. A model was developed that predicts the friction between a thermoplastic laminate and a rigid tool. The mesoscopic model, based on the Reynolds' equation for thin film lubrication, has been validated against experiments. The tool-ply friction was characterised for 2x2 twill/PP (Twintex) and 8 harness satin/PPS laminates. Tool-ply friction of the latter appears to be a combination of a Coulomb type of friction and a viscous type of friction.