Composite processing

Question 1

What are the 4 methods of composite processing?

Answer 1

Open mould processing
Closed mould processing
Filament winding
Pultrusion processes

Question 2

Describe open mould processing.

Answer 2

Polymer sheets layered to desired thickness in open mould before being cured in oven. Can be manual or automated.

Question 3

Describe closed mould processes.

Answer 3

Parts preformed in mould consisting of two sections that open and close after each mould cycle. Tooling cost is double the open mould, but good finish and higher production rates.

Question 4

Describe filament winding.

Answer 4

Fibre is run through a resin bath then wound around a rotating cylinder (mandrel). Used for cylindrical parts.

Question 5

Describe Pultrusion.

Answer 5

Continuous fibres are pulled through a die that contains a resin bath. Composite cured in die. Fibres are pulled to avoid damage. Die determines shape.