Continuously compression molding a composite body with a complex geometry

A method for manufacturing a composite body, comprising:

• molding a first longitudinal portion of a continuous length of prepreg material into a first portion of the composite body using a first die, a second die, a third die and a fourth die, wherein the first die and the second die are arranged between the third die and the fourth die such that a molding cavity, in which the first longitudinal portion of the continuous length of prepreg material is molded, is defined by at least a first die surface of the first die, a second die surface of the second die, a third die surface of the third die and a fourth die surface of the fourth die, wherein the molding comprises moving at least one of the first die or the second die along the third die surface and the fourth die surface, and wherein the first die provides the first portion of the composite body with a first configuration;
• swapping the first die for a replacement first die, the swapping comprising removing the first die from a molding position and arranging the replacement first die into the molding position;
• and
• molding a second longitudinal portion of the continuous length of prepreg material into a second portion of the composite body using the replacement first die, wherein the replacement first die provides the second portion of the composite body with a second configuration that is different from the first configuration;
• wherein the continuous length of prepreg material comprises fibrous material pre-impregnated with resin.

A method for manufacturing a composite body, comprising:

• molding a first longitudinal portion of a continuous length of prepreg material into a first portion of the composite body using a first die, a second die, a third die and a fourth die, the first die comprising a die first configuration, wherein the first die and the second die are arranged between and contact the third die and the fourth die, and the molding comprises sliding at least one of the first die or the second die along the third die and the fourth die such that the first longitudinal portion of the continuous length of prepreg material contacts and is compressed between the first die, the second die, the third die and the fourth die to form the first portion of the composite body;
• swapping the first die for a replacement first die, the replacement first die comprising a die second configuration that is different from the die first configuration;
• and
• molding a second longitudinal portion of the continuous length of prepreg material into a second portion of the composite body using the replacement first die;
• wherein the continuous length of prepreg material comprises fibrous material pre-impregnated with resin.