Preparing tool surfaces for composites
US10118315B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 6, 2014 |
| Grant date | Nov 6, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 25, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB33Y10/00
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Techniques for producing composites outside of an autoclave that have smooth surface finishes are disclosed. The smooth composite surface, free of porosity, can be fabricated by curing the prepreg in a tool that includes a novel microstructure. In conventional composite manufacturing, some degree of porosity appears to originate from trapped gas bubbles that form during curing. The microstructure can provide a mechanism for the gas bubbles to escape from the tooling, thereby eliminating porosity and yielding a smooth surface finish on the out-of-autoclave composite. The microstructure can be applied to the tool surface using an inkjet process applying an acrylic resin curable with ultraviolet light.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.