METHOD OF MANUFACTURING A COMPOSITE ELEMENT

摘要

A method of manufacturing a composite element. A stack of plies is assembled on a lay-up table, each ply comprising a plurality of reinforcement elements such as dry-fibres. A first part of the stack of plies is bound to form a partially bound stack of plies, a second part of the stack of plies remaining unbound. The partially bound stack of plies is press-formed in a mould cavity between a pair of mould tools to form a shaped pre-form, plies in the second part of the stack sliding against each other during the press-forming. A liquid matrix material is injected into the shaped pre-form in the mould cavity and subsequently cured.

主权项

1. Apparatus for manufacturing a composite element, the apparatus comprising:
a. a lay-up table; b. a pair of mould tools for press-forming a partially bound stack of plies in a mould cavity between the pair of mould tools to form a shaped pre-form; and c. an injection port for injecting a liquid matrix material into the shaped pre-form in the mould cavity.