Resin Transfer Moulding (RTM) is a low investment process, relative to traditional techniques, used for the production of high quality, plastic composite components. A liquid thermosetting resin is injected into a closed mould, containing a dry fibre pack. The resin impregnates the fibre and cures to produce a high quality, engineered component. RTM has been well proven by aerospace companies as a manufacturing method for structural parts. The needs of the industry have driven the development of injection equipment from basic pressure pot machines to the latest computer controlled, servo motor driven piston equipment. These advances provide the accuracy, repeatability and data collection required in the modern aerospace environment while still maintaining the technical advantages of the RTM process. These include low operator contact with raw materials, very low void content, high fibre volume fraction, near net shape parts and process automation. This paper describes the development of the next generation of injection equipment covering requirements, prototype testing and the technical solution including the application of the latest motion control systems, PLC technology, PC control and data acquisition.
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