METHOD OF MAKING COMPACTED COMPOSITE MATERIAL PREFORMS

摘要

A method of making a compacted composite material preform including providing a pre-impregnated preform (42) comprising a plurality of reinforcing fibers and a polymer matrix and positioning the preform on a base plate (44). The method includes enclosing the preform inside a vacuum bag (54) defining a first cavity (58) and enclosing the preform and vacuum bag inside a substantially rigid cover (66) defining a second cavity (70). The method includes drawing a vacuum in the first cavity and drawing a vacuum in the second cavity that is substantially equal or greater than the vacuum in the first cavity to remove air and volatiles from the preform. The method includes drawing a greater vacuum in the first cavity relative to the second cavity to urge the vacuum bag into compressive contact with the plurality of reinforcing fibers and the polymer matrix to a compacted arrangement.