Achieving Process Repeatability and Controllability in RTM for the Air Force

After 20 years in the Resin Transfer Molding (RTM) industry and 5 years of subcontractor experience in Low Cost Composite Weapons (LCCW) with the McDonnell Douglas Missile Systems Company, we concur that process repeatability, process controllability and uneven wet-out are major process drawbacks to a system that reduces weight and cost by 30 percent compared to metals. We propose to eliminate these problems and advance the RTM process to accepance by developing four process improvements. 1. A gasket seal system which will seal at partial closure of the press (5 psi), will increase injection speed by 3 times, andwith absolute seal upon full closure of the press (60 psi) will aid process repeatability. 2a. Self cleaning injection ports with permanent hook-up to the injection gun will eliminate the injection gun operator. 2b. Manifold hook-up to the injection ports, required for large parts such as the LCCW upper shell and dispenser tube, will increase injection speed and reduce flow pressure. 3. A temperature control system on the tool's surface to monitor both resin flow and resin cure and function in a production environment. 4. A completely disposable vacuum assisted venting system with easy hook-up.