1.1This guide provides guidelines to facilitate the proper preparation of laminates and test specimens from fiber-reinforced organic matrix composite prepregs. The scope is limited to organic matrices and fiber reinforcement in unidirectional (tape) or orthagonal weave patterns. Other forms may require deviations from these general guidelines. Other processing techniques for test coupon preparation, for example, pultrusion, filament winding and resin-transfer molding, are not addressed.

1.2Specimen preparation is modeled as an 8-step process that is presented in Fig. 1 and Section 8. Laminate consolidation techniques are assumed to be by press or autoclave. This practice assumes that the materials are properly handled by the test facility to meet the requirements specified by the material supplier(s) or specification, or both. Identification and information gathering guidelines are modeled after Guide E1309. Test specimens shall be directly traceable to material used as designated in Guide E1434. Proper test specimen identification also includes designation of process equipment, process steps, and any irregularities identified during processing.

Steps 6, 7 and 8 may be interchanged.