Method and apparatus for manufacturing a composite material

A method of manufacturing a composite material, the method comprising:

• providing a first layer of reinforcement elements with liquid matrix material in interstitial gaps between the reinforcement elements;
• dipping a second layer of reinforcement elements into the liquid matrix material in the interstitial gaps such that the reinforcement elements in the second layer become partially embedded in the first layer of reinforcement elements and partially protrude from the first layer of reinforcement elements;
• impregnating the protruding parts of the reinforcement elements in the second layer with liquid matrix material;
• and curing the liquid matrix material.

Apparatus for manufacturing a composite material, the apparatus comprising:

• a pool of liquid matrix material.
• a build platform in the pool of liquid matrix material;
• a transfer mechanism for transferring a succession of layers of reinforcement elements to the build platform;
• and
• means for curing liquid matrix material on the build platform.