Process and apparatus for improved composite fiber volume fraction and dimensional stability by removal of accumulated excess resin using the vacuum assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) process

摘要

A vacuum assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) process wherein a preform, release film, distribution medium layer, resin inlet(s), vacuum outlet(s), and vacuum bag(s) are positioned on a mold. After the resin has fully impregnated the preform by a vacuum process, the resin feed source is closed and a vacuum crossover line is opened. The resin inlet(s) are then used as a vacuum source to continue the process of removal of the excess resin. Further, secondary vacuum outlets may be placed on the preform to aid in the removal of excess resin after resin impregnation. This imposes a uniform vacuum pressure across the preform to improve the structural characteristics such as the fiber volume fraction and the compaction of the wetted preform over the conventional VARTM process.