摘要 |
In a method of producing a molded product, fiber such as carbon fiber is supplied to a robot delivery head where it is cut into shorter lengths and delivered to a molding tool in a desired orientation and in a desired number of layers to achieve a desired thickness and strength. Resin is then applied to the aligned fibers and cured to form the product. Alignment or substantial alignment of fiber is maintained by applying vacuum to the mold, by electrostatic means, or by coating the fiber with resin prior to application to the molding tool and heating the molding tool surface, or by coating or impregnating the fiber with a ferric powder and magnetizing the molding tool, or by applying a mist layer of epoxy in front of the shortened lengths of fibers. Fiber lengths and deposition rates are varied as required. The method facilitates fully automated production reducing process time and component costs. The invention also comprises a corresponding molded product. |