Low-pressure (vacuum infusion) techniques for moulding large composite structures

Abstract

Resin transfer moulding (RTM) involves the long-range flow of resin into a dry fibre pack that is preloaded into a defined mould cavity. Resin infusion under flexible tooling (RIFT) can be considered as a variant on RTM in which one tool face is replaced by a flexible film or a light splash tool. The flow of resin results only from the vacuum drawn under the film and any gravity effects. In RTM the dimensions of the component are defined by the separation of the mould faces, whilst in RIFT processes the thickness of the part is a function of the pressure history during the process. This paper reviews current developments in resin infusion processes.