Ultra Low Energy Preforming Process for Carbon Fiber Composites

摘要

Like the CompForm~(TM) technology that uses light curable binders, the new preforming technology allows the production of complex preforms including core materials, attachments and multiple combinations of reinforcing materials except that now preforms can be made without respect to penetration of light. Light curable binders limit the use of Carbon fiber materials and opaque materials. The new preforming process technology has the potential to allow the use of any reinforcing materials at any thickness. Sprayable liquid binders have been developed and tested that stabilize and rigidize the preform via ultra low energy curing. The binder can be pre-applied and cured on demand as part of the 3D shaping and assembly process. Complex preforms can be built by sequential applications of various reinforcements or via sub assembly routines. The binder chemistry has the potential to be functionally compatible with all the common liquid resins used in liquid composite molding. After stabilization, the preforms can go directly into the LCM tooling or they can be cut to net shape to provide true net shape moldings.