This process consists of filling a mold cavity,
rigid and closed, by injecting a resin through one, or several, points
depending on the size of the component. The reinforcements are placed
in the interior of the mold previously, before closing and locking
it firmly. Usually polyesters, epoxy resins, phenolics and acrylics
are used, and they can be filled if needed. Different kinds of molds
can be used, depending on the expected production rate. Heat can be
applied to the mold to shorten the cure-time, in which case the use
of steel molds may be necessary. Low profile resins can be employed
with these molds to improve the surface finish and appearance. Alternatively,
low-pressure RTM allows lower cost, composite tooling to be used with
low tonnage presses. The reinforcements may be continuous filament
mats, complexes or fabrics, but generally it is the continuous filament
mats which are mostly used. The use of preforms from continuous strand
mats permits a considerable increase in production rates to be achieved.
|
 |
Click on picture to enlarge. |
|
 |
Asia
Pacific
