Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

A process, and apparatus for the production of fiber reinforced plastic structures, particularly high strength fiber reinforced plastic structures via an improved vacuum assisted technique. In apparatus which includes a fluid impervious outer sheet, or bag, provided with a resin inlet, marginally sealed upon a mold to provide a chamber in which can be place a fiber lay up and which in turn is provided with a vacuum outlet there is provided a resin distribution medium for location on one side of the fiber lay up of character which permits on application of a vacuum the ready, continuous flow of resin via the resin inlet into the chamber to the marginal edges of said resin distribution medium. Closure of the outer sheet, or bag, with the fiber lay up is prevented by the presence of the resin distribution medium while the flow of resin is continued throughout the resin distribution medium, the resin applied to one side of the fiber lay up, and the resin cured. The fiber reinforced plastic structure is removed from the mold after the resin has cured by peeling away the outer sheet, or bag, and resin distribution medium. The strength of the fiber reinforced plastic structures, and fiber reinforcement-to-plastic ratios are of quality and strength approximating structures made by the more complex prepreg-autoclave processes.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim