Method for composite flow molding

Abstract

An apparatus for molding a part includes a plunger cavity, a plunger, and a mold cavity, wherein the plunger is oriented out-of-plane with respect to a major surface of the mold cavity, and first and second vents couples to respective first and second portions of the mold cavity. In a method, resin and fiber are forced into the mold cavity from a plunger cavity, and at least some of the fibers and resin are preferentially flowed to certain region in the mold cavity via the use of vents.

Description

[0001] Related case statement [0002] This case requires the priority of U.S. Patent Application No. Sn 62 / 743, 390, filed on October 9, 2018, which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical field [0003] The present disclosure generally involves molding complex parts, especially those with very characteristic, thin or complex and fine. Background technique [0004] It is generally desirable to manufacture parts from fiber composites. The fiber composite parts include fibers dispersed within a matrix formed of the resin. In addition to preventing fiber wear and environmental erosion, the substrate is also surrounding and supporting the fibers by maintaining the relative position of the fibers. The fibers give them mechanical and physical properties to enhance the mechanical and physical properties of the matrix. This combination is synergistic; the composite material has a material properties that cannot be provided, such as very high strength-weight ratio. [0005] A varie...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

However, using such processes to manufacture complex parts with very small, thin or intricately detailed features, especially those requiring considerable strength and stiffness, presents many challenges

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