Fibre reinforced composites

Abstract

An apparatus for continuously producing tapered shafts comprises peripherally co-operating rotating rolls. At least one of the rolls has a peripheral groove of varying depth so that as the rolls are rotated they define, at their co-operating regions, a die aperture of cyclically varying cross-section. Resin-impregnated fibres e.g. carbon fibres, are drawn through the die aperture to form a series of shafts each corresponding to one revolution of the rolls. A reciprocating mandrel may also be present if it is desired to produce hollow articles. According to one mode of operation, the rolls and, if present, the mandrel, are locked in position and the resin-impregnated fibres are pulled through the stationary die aperture to form an article the predetermined constant cross-section of which depends on the position at which the rolls and, if present, the mandrel have been locked. Heaters are provided to solidify the resin downstream of the die aperture. The possibility of making shapes other than tapered or uniform cross-sectional shapes is discussed.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.