Resin Infusion Under Flexible Tooling Research Articles

The compression response of fibre-reinforced plastic plates during manufacture by the resin infusion under flexible tooling method

Abstract Resin infusion under flexible tooling (RIFT) is a variant of vacuum-driven resin transfer moulding in which one of the solid mould faces is replaced by a polymeric film. One variant of the process is known commercially as SCRIMP. In comparison with traditional hand lay-up, the process has obvious health and safety advantages, through reductions in worker contact with liquid resin and in reduced emissions to the environment. Additionally, laminate mechanical properties are improved by higher fibre contents and lower voidage. In comparison with conventional (matched mould) resin transfer moulding, the process can offer a substantial reduction in tooling costs, especially for large parts. As one of the tool faces is flexible, the moulded laminate thickness depends in part on the compressibility of the reinforcement and on its interaction with the flowing resin. This paper describes a preliminary experimental study of the measurement of fabric compression and the effects of the interaction between reinforcement and resin flow on the final component thickness.

Resin Infusion under Flexible Tooling (RIFT): a review

Increasing legislation to limit styrene emissions (mainly from polyester resin systems) into the work place has been the key factor in promoting new technology in the manufacture of fibre reinforced plastics composites. Styrene emissions can be reduced by the development of: resin systems with low styrene emission; improved ventilation and air filtering systems; closed moulding techniques. It is the final area on which this paper concentrates. RIFT is a variant of vacuum-driven RTM in which one of the solid tool faces is replaced by a flexible polymeric film. The process is known by several acronyms—in this paper it is referred to as RIFT (Resin Infusion under Flexible Tooling). Potentially a very clean and economical composites manufacturing method, the process draws resin into a dry reinforcement on an evacuated vacuum bagged tool using only the partial vacuum to drive the resin. It reduces worker contact with liquid resin whilst increasing component mechanical properties and fibre content by reducing voidage compared to hand lay-up. For higher performance composites, RIFT offers the potential for reduced tooling costs where matched tooling (RTM or compression moulding) is currently used. This paper reviews the progress of RIFT from its first development as the Marco method in 1950 to the Seemann Composites Resin Infusion Manufacture Process (SCRIMP) today. Development of the process has been slow (compared to RTM) and generally lacking in scientific rigour. Current research is reviewed and the potential for scientific development is discussed.