Cycle time reduction in resin transfer moulding by phased catalyst injection

Resin transfer moulding has the potential to produce complex lend-bearing components at high volumes, but long cycle times remain a key obstacle to be overcome before high volume manufacture will be economic. Previous methods of reducing the duration of the cure phase are based upon the use of heated moulds and additional heat sources. A new method of reducing the process cycle time is demonstrated by increasing the reactivity of resin during the impregnation phase. The results show that the cure phase may be controlled to promote simultaneous cure throughout the laminate. A method to determine the initiator formulation is proposed.