Library Contents

Author:

Jim Kaufmann

Chris Pastore Ph.D.

Jason Lyons Ph.D.

Sean Kroszner

Search:

Home > Library > Introduction to Resin Transfer Molding

Introduction to Resin Transfer Molding

Christopher M. Pastore Ph.D.

NovaComp Inc. 2006

Resin Tranfer Molding

Resin transfer molding (RTM) is a technique for consolidating composite materials formed of "dry" fibers or yarns.

RTM is useful for converting textile materials into composites. Basically, the fabric is placed into a mold and liquid resin is transfered into the same mold at low pressure. The resin surrounds the fibers in the textile form. The mold is closed and heated. The resin then cures in place and the composite is formed.

Some of the benefits of RTM systems are

• No pre-pregs involved, so more flexibility in fiber and resin selection
• Production time decreased compared to hand lay-up
• Closed mold, so tool finish on all surfaces (except input and output ports)
• Inserts and pad-ups can be easily employed
• Exposure to toxic chemicals reduced

Some of the disadvantages of RTM are

• Mold design is complex compared to bagging or layup, and requires mold-filling analysis
• Fiber reinforcement may "wash" or move during resin transfer
• Although composite properties are good, they are not necessarily optimized.

A simplified animation of the RTM process is shown below.