Application of rapid tooling for the production of moulds suitable for autoclave forming of CFRP

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the applicability of an indirect rapid tooling technique to the autoclave forming of carbon fibre reinforced plastic laminates.Design/methodology/approachA rapid prototyping machine was used to process a photo elastic resin to fabricate the pre‐moulds. Liquid particle‐filled epoxy resin was poured in the pre‐mould and cured in an oven. Real autoclave process conditions were then applied to the mould several times to assess the geometrical stability and the accuracy of the produced parts, measured using a laser 3D scanner.FindingsThis paper reports the procedures developed for the rapid manufacture of carbon fibre reinforced plastic components.Research limitations/implicationsThe method is applicable to components of small to medium dimensions (max 500 mm).Originality/valueThis is a pioneer attempt towards the rapid manufacturing of high performances composite components. It has been presented for patenting purposes (Gian Luca Monti, Ezequiel Poodts, Giangiacomo Minak, and Cristiano Fragassa. Pat. Pending Nr. PS2010A000026, 2010).