Infusion or injection, respectively, is an important step from dry fiber preform to finished part. The technological options are manifold, e.g.:
• Tools with integrated distribution channels for improving part quality and reducing auxiliary material set-up complexity
• Flow simulations
AutoVac is a technical solution for the automated positioning of vacuum bag, auxiliary materials, and reinforcement sections. The decisive advantages of AutoVac are its high level of accuracy and reproducibility. AutoVac can be used for either prepreg or dry fiber processes.
• AutoVac (fully automated vacuum bagging)
With the resin infusion method, the fiber preforms are laid up in a mold. Then, a vacuum is established using a vacuum bag. The resin feed with which the dry fiber material is being impregnated is installed along the mold edge. The vacuum causes the resin to flow and makes it possible to saturate the fiber material uniformly.
• Resin infusion method
Based on the established RTM process, an automated process chain is created, where the further development of the RTM technology is combined with high output rates, being capable of significantly reducing manufacturing and unit labor costs.
• AutoRTM (fully automated RTM manufacturing)
The only continuous process for manufacturing CFRP components is pultrusion. The system used at the CTC offers the advantage of being able to process not only unidirectional plies, but also multi-axial laminates. This manufacturing technology is made possible by resin injection, which impregnates carbon fibers more successfully than a resin bath.
• PRTM (Pultrusion Resin Transfer Molding) for sections with constant cross-sections made in large quantities (e.g. longitudinal reinforcements)
