THE COMPRESSION RESPONSE OF FIBER-REINFORCED PLASTIC PLATES DURING MANUFACTURE BY THE RESIN INFUSION UNDER FLEXIBLE TOOLING METHOD

Resin infusion under flexible tooling (RIFT) is a variant of vacuum-dr iven resin transfer moulding in which one of the solid mould faces is replaced by a polymeric film. One variant of the process is known comm ercially as SCRIMP. In comparison with traditional hand lay-up, the pr ocess has obvious health and safety advantages, through reductions in worker contact with liquid resin and in reduced emissions to the envir onment. Additionally, laminate mechanical properties are improved by h igher fibre contents and lower voidage. In comparison with conventiona l (matched mould) resin transfer moulding, the process can offer a sub stantial reduction in tooling costs, especially for large parts. As on e of the tool faces is flexible, the moulded laminate thickness depend s in part on the compressibility of the reinforcement and on its inter action with the flowing resin. This paper describes a preliminary expe rimental study of the measurement of fabric compression and the effect s of the interaction between reinforcement and resin flow on the final component thickness. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Limited.