RTM
Description
| In the RTM process the fabricator places reinforcement in the mould, and the mould is closed. The resin is then pumped into the mould, impregnating the reinforcements. Typically the reinforcements are preformed beforehand. Heat can be applied to shorten the cure time and the finished part is removed. RTM is a quite manual process, because all reinforcements are placed manually, and the fibre orientation is not accurate, however today there is also very automated RTM processes.Because RTM is a closed mould system, it is more environmentally friendly than hand or spray lay-up. |
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Contacts
Characteristics
| Costs (tooling / unit) | Depends on the size etc.
Low cost machinery, low cost moulds |
| Volume (units / day) | Medium volume
Examples: Wind mill blade, a small boat, cycle time 24h (inc. gelcoat spraying/curing), big boats one week, etc. |
| Possible Materials |
Reinforcements: Glass/Aramid/Carbon etc. fabrics/mats Matrix: Polyester, vinylester, epoxy, etc. resins, Special reinforcement have been developed (resin distribution channels) |
| Size / Shape | Size: Boat hull up to 20-30 m, Shape quite free |
| Mechanical Properties | Depends on the orientation, type of the reinforcement
etc.
RTM the reinforcement volume depends on the reinforcement amount, but in vacuum assisted injection it is 50±5 % |
| Special Remarks |
Application / Case Study