Resin infusion between double flexible tooling: Prototype development
Abstract
The Resin Infusion between Double Flexible Tooling (RIDFT) technique is a novel two-stage process, which incorporates resin infusion and wetting with vacuum forming. The flow front of the infused resin is two-dimensional and avoids flow complexities prevalent in the three-dimensional flow seen in other liquid composite molding techniques. It employs a one-sided mold, which provides obvious cost benefits when compared with resin transfer molding. On-going prototype development of the RIDFT process has yielded positive results. Composite laminates with good surface quality, micro structural characteristics, and mechanical properties have been repeatedly produced with cost savings of 24% when compared with SCRIMP. This paper describes the RIDFT process, outlining its merits and presenting its challenges, whilst identifying potential benefits to industry. Current work being undertaken include the refining of production parameters, the construction of a larger prototype to examine the full extent of its suitability for the manufacture of large composite components and the incorporation of the UV curing technique to reduce the cycle time in the manufacture of large structures. © 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Publication Title
Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing
Recommended Citation
Thagard, J., Okoli, O., Liang, Z., Wang, H., & Zhang, C. (2003). Resin infusion between double flexible tooling: Prototype development. Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing, 34 (9), 803-811. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1359-835X(03)00201-X
