Production Techniques

Question 1

Describe characteristics of moulds

Answer 1

*Stiff / dimensionally stable
*Wear resistant for larger series
*Release layer
*Sensors/monitors during the curing process

Question 2

Criteria for production methods

Answer 2

*Suitable for single piece or series production
*Temperature
*Pressure
*Curing speed
*Surface quality to be achieved
*Materials
*Quantity and type of tools required
*Cost (a function of the above criteria)

Question 3

List open mould processing techniques for thermosets

Answer 3

*Spray-up: short fibres and resin
*Hand lay-up
*Winding
*Fibre placement
*Pultrusion

Question 4

List closed mould processing techniques

Answer 4

*Vacuum techniques
*Infusion
*Autoclave: overpressure, discharge excess resin

Question 5

When making a mould and/or plug, the following should be taken into consideration:

Answer 5

*Release: the product must ultimately be releasable from the mould
*Flanges: it is recommended to leave a ‘production flange’ around the final product

Question 6

During the design process and when selecting a processing method, a number of choices
must be made with regard to the fibre reinforcement

Answer 6

*Bobbins with fibre strands or yarns
*Woven fabrics
*NCFs
*Mats with different combinations of fibre orientations