Opening the door to manufacturing efficiency

Of all aspects of overhead storage bin production, doors pose notable manufacturing challenges. They feature complex, 3-D curvatures that make honeycomb core splicing, reinforcement and edge filling exceptionally difficult. Considerable rework is typically required to eliminate wrinkles inside and around the edges and achieve strong, aesthetically pleasing parts.

Core splice film from 3M is engineered to help interior part producers expedite the splicing and filling process and streamline overhead storage bin door manufacture. 3M™ Scotch-Weld™ Core Splice Adhesive Film AF 3074 FST is a low-density, thermally expanding epoxy adhesive film with excellent mechanical and FST (Fire, Smoke and Toxicity) properties. It enables easy, reliable shop handling while minimizing rework in honeycomb core splicing, reinforcement and edge filling in aircraft part fabrication.

With a high and repeatable expansion rate of up to 230% across cure profiles, Scotch-Weld AF 3074 FST more than triples its volume during cure. It is easy to handle and cut and balances good tack with easy repositioning during application. With a wide in-service temperature range of −55 °C to 135 °C, it is co-curable with structural adhesive films and prepregs in cure cycles of 120–180 °C (250–350 °F). The low density of the cured film (0.4 g/cm3 at free expansion) can also help reduce weight per part.

Scotch-Weld AF 3074 FST enables non-refrigerated transport and room-temperature storage. Its long shop life enables up to 30 days of storage outside the protective bag. If sealed inside the protective bag, it can be stored for up to 6 months.

Scotch-Weld AF 3074 FST is being evaluated for qualification to major aircraft OEM specifications. It is flame retardant and has met the following requirements:
 

• FAR/JAR/CS 25.853 (a) App F, Part I (a) (1) (ii)
• FAR/JAR/CS 25.853 (d) App F, Part V (b)
• Airbus ABD0031

Ensure products meet all applicable specifications, standards, and maintenance manual requirements for the platform being worked on and validate all aircraft approvals against current technical documentation.

FACC is a worldwide leading aerospace company in design, development and production of aerospace technologies and advanced aircraft lightweight systems. Being the technology partner of all major manufacturers, FACC works together with its customers on developing solutions for the mobility of the future. Every second, there is an aircraft taking off with FACC technology on board.