PROCESS FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF A CARBON FIBRE REINFORCED ARTICLE FROM A MASTER MODEL

摘要

A process for producing a carbon fiber facsimile from amaster model, wherein layers of epoxy impregnated carbonfiber weave are applied to the surface of master model, apressure pad having a first surface with topographysubstantially complementing the surface topography of mastermodel and a second side adapted for substantially uniformtransmittal of pressure is placed thereon, a breather clothis placed over the layers of epoxy impregnated carbon fiberweave, a rubber membrane is placed over the breather cloth,and the layers of epoxy impregnated carbon fiber weave arecured under pressure using a catalyst for exothermic heat,producing a carbon fiber facsimile having a uniform wallthickness, a first side having surface topographycomplementing the topography of surface of master model and asecond side having surface topography which is substantiallyparallel to the topography of surface of master model. Thecured carbon fiber facsimile is then removed from mastermodel and used as a dimensionally accurate replica of aproduction stage component.