DYNAMIC RESIN TRANSFER MOLDING

摘要

While Resin Transfer Molding (RTM) offers one of the best prospects for automating composite manufacturing, the nuances of resin flow through high fiber density preforms within closed mold cavities often leads to compromises in processing, part design and ultimate product performance. By using a combination of rapid mold heating and cooling combined with shape shifting mold tools, this paper will assess cycle time and volume fraction performance gains compared to the state-of-the-art through the use of reconfigurable pin tools as an alternate production environment.rnThe paper will explore permutations of this approach where molds can 'ripple' to increase and decrease their cavity volume using graded structure bi-metallic materials, significantly increasing process control and allowing real-time resin flow control through complex forms. Sequencing of this shape shifting capability will also be explored to assess the development of enhanced molding concepts akin to thermoplastic injection compression molding which have significant potential advantages compared to traditional Resin Transfer Molding.