Process and apparatus for molding continuous-fiber composite articles
AssigneeLockheed Martin Corporation
InventorsAlan K. Miller, Stephen L. Bailey, Theodore Rosario, Jr.
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Abstract
A process and apparatus for multi-shot, liquid-resin-molding of continuous-fiber composite articles is disclosed. The process involves the step-wise fabrication of an article wherein continuity of the fibers is maintained between the multiple workpieces of the finished composite article.
Claims17
A vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding method for forming a continuous-fiber composite article via a multi-shot, batch process, wherein the method comprises:
- feeding a fabric to a molding region, wherein continuity of fiber is maintained between a supply of the fabric and the fed fabric;
- infusing the fed fabric with resin, wherein during infusion, the fed fabric is placed under vacuum;
- curing the resin to form a workpiece;
- and
- releasing the workpiece from the molding region, which, due to the continuity of fiber, causes additional fabric to feed to the molding region from the supply thereof.
A vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding method for molding a continuous-fiber composite article, wherein the article is produced batchwise via a plurality of shots that form a plurality of workpieces across which continuity of fiber is maintained, wherein the method comprises:
- (i) feeding a fabric to a molding region, wherein continuity of fiber is maintained between a source of the fabric and the fabric fed to the molding region;
- (ii) infusing the fabric with resin under vacuum;
- and
- (iii) forming the workpiece by curing the resin.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.