MOULDING PROCESS AND APPARATUS

摘要

A mould (1) has internal heating wires (2) and channels (3) for circulation of a coolant. A composite material in the form of a cloth (4) of a co-mingled glass fibre/polypropylene continuous fibre composite is draped over the mould (1). A flexible nylon bagging film or silicone rubber sheet (6) is placed over the cloth of composite material (4) and sealed around the edges. A vacuum V is then applied between the film (6) and the mould. Air is evacuated from the area occupied by the composite material (4) and a uniform vacuum pressure P of typically 15psi is applied over the surface of the composite sheet (4). After heating and cooling the vacuum is removed and a fully moulded part is removed from the mould.