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Lower cost, higher performance resin transfer moulding (RTM)

Objective


A highly mechatronic, computer controlled feedback injection control system was developed which gave increased levels of speed at lower pressures whilst maintaining precise control over mixing conditions and flow. The development of the generic injection technology was in a form capable of dealing with the processing requirements associated with high and low performance resin systems and fibre packs.

The project was split into nine major technical tasks to look at critical performance definition representing three market areas, resin selection, reinforcement selection and development, development of process monitor systems and mechatronic control, resin injection equipment development, evaluation of material selected and equipment development, material performance characterisation, material type specific development and practical validation.

It was concluded that increase levels of speed at lower pressures whilst maintaining precise control over mixing conditions and flow can be met using the developed highly mechatronic, computer controlled feedback injection control system.

The design based on a modular design allowed the optimised injection technology to be validated on three industrially relevant application categories representing different market sectors.

Other conclusions were made regarding the technical and economical viability, based on the work undertaken on the industrial practical validation of the three industrially relevant applications. The project has proved the potential of the developed intelligent resin injection system, each application not only satisfying the relevant performance definition, but also offering significant cost and/or weight advantages.

Cost savings of up to 40% with similar or greater technical performances have been demonstrated.

Topic(s)

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Call for proposal

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Coordinator

PRODUCTION ENGINEERING RESEARCH ASSOCIATION - PERA
EU contribution
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Address
Technology Centre, Nottingham Road
LE13 0PB MELTON MOWBRAY
United Kingdom

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Total cost
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Participants (1)