RTM is a low pressure moulding process, where a mixed resin and catalyst are
injected into a closed mould containing a fibre pack or preform. When the
resin has cured the mould can be opened and the finished component removed.
A
wide range of resin systems can be used including
polyester, vinylester, epoxy, phenolic
and
methyl methacylates etc, combined
with pigments and fillers including aluminium trihydrates and calcium
carbonates if required.
The fibre pack can be either, glass, carbon, arimid, or a combination of
these. There are a large variety of weights and styles commonly available.
The Advantages and
Benefits of using RTM:
Mouldings can be
manufactured to close dimensional tolerances
Components will
have good surface finish on both sides
Selective
reinforcement and accurate fibre management is achievable
Ability to
build-in fibre volume fraction loadings up to 65%
Uniformity of
thickness and fibre loading, resulting in uniform shrinkage
Inserts may be
incorporated into mouldings
Tooling costs
comparatively low compared to other manufacturing processes
Uses only low
pressure injection
Low volatile
emission during processing
Ability to produce
near net shape mouldings, reducing material wastage
Process can be
automated, resulting in higher production rates with less scrap
Ability to mould
complex structural and hollow shapes
Low resultant
voidage in moulded components
Ability to achieve
from 0.5mm to 90mm laminate thickness
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