Preforming technology for closed-mold, structural composite part production

摘要

Solectria Corporation has developed the Diaphorm preforming technology that facilitates the cost-effective production of structural composite parts of any size. To meet the structural demands of such parts, the design must incorporate engineered (alligned) continuous fibers and fabrics, so Solectria has concentrated on the capability to preform structural fabric reinforcements. The equipment that was developed to demonstrate this technology was designed for flexibility in preform shapes and sizes. This paper discusses the equipment design approach as well as preforming demonstration programs that Solectria has been involved in to showcase the potential of its preforming technology in a number of different markets. Overall capabilities as well as limitations of this preforming technology are also discussed in this paper.