Method and apparatus for manufacturing a fibre reinforced product

摘要

A fiber bundle(17) is laid in an elongated tool cavity with fibers(18) aligned axially. The fiber bundle is twisted so that the distance between the bundle ends is reduced and the fibers move closer to each other to increase packing density. The tool is then closed and the cavity pressurized isotactically which compresses the fiber bundle and a matrix material in the cavity. Fibers(18) may be precoated with a matrix material or a matrix material can be injected into the cavity. Fiber ends are held in annular gaps between holding rings(12,20) and the outer tool part(11). By a combined rotation and longitudinal movement of a holding ring relative to the holding part the fiber bundle shortens and fibers are aligned at an angle to the axis. Auxiliary fibers or a binder may be used to fix the fibers relative to each other before they are placed in the tool cavity. The closed tool may be evacuated. Tubes may be manufactured by inserting a guide sleeve into the fiber bundle so that the tool cavity is restricted. The sleeve may be retained in the final component. An independent claim is included for a tool for manufacturing the fiber-reinforced tube or bar-shaped component which has an elongated cavity(16) with fiber holding rings at the ends and at at least one end of the cavity a guide(14) for a holding ring(20). The holding ring rotates in the guide and simultaneously moves longitudinally.