Process of forming fiber reinforced composite articles using an insitu cured resin infusion port

摘要

A process is provided for forming a fiber-reinforced resin structure having an opening therein by vacuum bag forming. A resin infusion port is disposed adjacent a mold surface. The resin infusion port has a resin inlet and at least one resin outlet. A fiber-reinforced ply is distributed adjacent the mold surface about the resin infusion port. A flexible covering is placed over the fiber-reinforced ply and the mold surface to form a chamber therebetween. The chamber is evacuated. Resin is dispensed into the resin infusion port through the resin inlet. The resin is infused into the ply by dispensing resin into the chamber from the resin infusion port through the resin outlet. The resin is cured within the resin infusion port and within the chamber to form a cured resin structure which is subsequently removed from the mold surface. An opening is formed in the resin structure by removing the resin infusion port and a portion of the resin structure adjacent the resin infusion port.