Rigid fibre reinforced mouldings are made using a combination of a split rigid external mould (1,2) and an internal flexible extensible lining (3) which can be inflated to consolidate resin impregnated fibrous material (5) laid up in the cavities of the external mould. The internal bladder is pref. of silicone rubber, can apply sufficient pressure (0.4-2.5 bar) to consolidate the moulding, before or when the mould temp. is raised sufficiently to cure the resin. Esp. suitable for mfg. complex hollow forms, including branched profiles, for e.g. heat resistant ducts or manifolds for aeronautical construction. Avoids use of lost core lay-up on a solid internal support, with recurrent problems of preparation and subsequent removal. Both the external mould tools and the internal lining are re-useable. The fibrous mat or cloth may be pre-impregnated or wetted in the mould.
展开▼