Composite structure machine and method.

摘要

Subjects of the invention are a machine and method, and the product of the method, for making high-strength composite structures of thermosetting or thermoplastic resin with reinforcements therein. A continuous longitudinally extending wet charge of resin and reinforcement is formed as an endless source and maintained under a given tension while it is advanced toward a mold cavity. A plurality of reinforcement elements are continuously placed at predetermined positions within the cross-sectional area of the wet charge and with the longitudinal reinforcements being continuously parallel to one another. The resin and the reinforcements form a composite matrix whose angular reinforcement orientation may vary +/- 90 DEG with respect to the longitudinal axis of the wet charge and the ultimate product. The reinforcements also may change directions or orientations at different levels within the cross section area. The composite matrix is advanced into the mold cavity where it is compression molded and cured within a heated tool under low pressure without flowing of the matrix.