Investigating artificially intelligent computer systems for applying resin transfer moulding technology

Objective

Resin transfer moulding (RTM) and its derivatives offer SMEs a relatively low cost entry into a flexible process for the production of quality polymer composite parts in medium to high production runs. Increased legislation on styrene emission makes RTM one of the few viable options for moulders using conventional open mould processes. SMEs need technical support in applying the RTM process, from part design, material selection to tool optimisation. Powerful computing technology is now accessible to the smallest company, with the potential to capture and simulate the intuition and expertise of RTM experts. It is proposed to develop a flexible, intelligent computer system for the application of RTM technology. It would be difficult to codify complex information received from the moulder into explicit rules in conventional expert systems. Combining neural networks and expert systems has the potential for producing a system with the ability to solve problems based on progressive learning. Rapra Technology Ltd., TNO and Napier University are the RTD performers responsible for developing the user friendly, trainable framework. A consortium of EU SME proposers will train the framework into a system capable of solving RTM problems. Following the 2 year research period, will be further development to produce a commercial software tool for the totally integrated application of polymer composites using RTM.

Fields of science

• natural sciences › computer and information sciences › software
• engineering and technology › materials engineering › composites
• natural sciences › chemical sciences › polymer sciences
• natural sciences › computer and information sciences › artificial intelligence › expert systems
• natural sciences › computer and information sciences › artificial intelligence › computational intelligence

Programme(s)

• FP4-BRITE/EURAM 3 - Specific research and technological development programme in the field of industrial and materials technologies, 1994-1998

Topic(s)

• 0202 - New methodologies for product design and manufacture

Call for proposal

Data not available

Funding Scheme

CRS - Cooperative research contracts

Coordinator

PLASTECH THERMOSET TECTONICS

Address

Delaware Road Unit 1
PL18 9AR Gunnislake
United Kingdom

Participants (19)

DUTCH COMPOSITES BV

Netherlands

Address

3,spaarpot 24
5667 KX Geldrop

Eurotec - Systemteil GmbH

Germany

Address

Schloßmatten Straße
79268 Bötzingen

FLEX-O-THERM B.V.

Netherlands

Address

36,zelhemseweg 36
7255 PT Hengelo Gld

Hereford Glassfibre Ltd.

United Kingdom

Address

Tarsmill Court
HR2 6JZ Hereford

Hogeschool Eindhoven

Netherlands

Address

1,rachelsmolen
5600 AH Eindhoven

Indupol International NV

Belgium

Address

24,hoge Mauw
2370 Arendonk

Intermoulding BV

Netherlands

Address

18,kuisel
4703 RL Roosendaal

Jotun Polymer Ltd.

United Kingdom

Address

54,willow Lane
CR4 4NA Mitcham

Kenneth Colours Ltd.

United Kingdom

Address

Arterial Road
SS6 7TZ Rayleigh

Microsol Srl.

Italy

Address

Via Donizetti 105
95126 Catania

Müller Srl

Italy

Address

33051 Aquileia Udine

Napier University

United Kingdom

Address

10,colinton Road
EH10 5DT Edinburgh

Nederlandse Organisatie voor Toegepast Natuurwetenschappelijk Onderzoek

Netherlands

Address

97,
1780 AB Den Helder

POLYMARIN BEHEER BV

Netherlands

Address

Nijverheidsweg 7
1671 GC Medemblik

Palsticos Reforzados Torres Sl.

Spain

Address

Km 1,carretera A Pedrera
41590 La Roda Andalucia

RAPRA TECHNOLOGY LTD

United Kingdom

Address

Shawbury
SY4 4NR Shrewsbury

Links

Rawlson Ltd.

United Kingdom

Address

Holmestone Road
CT17 0UF Dover

Solochart Ltd.

United Kingdom

Address

Brookhampton Lane
CV35 0JA Kineton

Technifiber SA

Spain

Address

28814 Daganzo De Arriba