US 6,183,675 B2 · Multiple fiber choppers for molding processes

Abstract

This process and apparatus use at least two chopper units. The fiber choppers may be laser beam choppers or existing standard chopper units. The process and apparatus for producing a fiber-reinforced molded composite comprises providing a moldable composition, a first fiber chopper providing chopped fibers to the apparatus from a first direction, a second fiber chopper providing chopped fibers to the apparatus from a second direction, wherein the first direction is different from the second direction and molding the moldable composition and fibers in the apparatus under heat and pressure to form the molded composite. One industrial application for these choppers is compression molding of interior trim panels for automobile doors. The choppers spray chopped glass fiber strands into a resin mixture. The glass and a polyol, isocyanate (—NCO) urethane resin mixture at the proper glass loading, distribution and pattern is fed to the mold.

Claims14

Dependent claims

A process for producing a fiber-reinforced molded composite comprising the steps of:

providing a moldable composition;
a first fiber chopper providing chopped fibers to the moldable composition from a first direction;
a second fiber chopper providing chopped fibers to the moldable composition from a second direction, wherein the first direction is different from the second direction;
depositing the moldable composition and chopped fibers in a mold;
and
molding the moldable composition and fibers in the mold under heat and compression to form the molded composite.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Multiple fiber choppers for molding processes

Life of this patent

Multiple fiber choppers for molding processes

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims14