Method for stabilizing complex composite preforms
US5080851A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 6, 1990 |
| Grant date | Jan 14, 1992 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 6, 2010 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T156/1044
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method for forming stabilized preforms for complex composite articles is disclosed using a solid meltable uncatalyzed thermosetting resin as the stabilizing agent. The resin is applied to each layer of the preform and heated to melt the resin and bond the layers together. After cooling, the resin resolidifies but does not set and thereby holds the layers in the desired preform shape. The layers can be first formed into a flat sheet as a raw material from which shaped preforms can be made by cutting the sheet into sections which are placed over a mandrel and reheating to thereby remelt the solid resin to allow the preform to conform to the shape of the mandrel. Utilizing this process allows complex composite parts to be easily preformed and assembled prior to placement in a mold for resin injection molding, without inhibiting part strength as the resin is compatible with the injection resin and is cocatalyzed by the catalyst contained in the injection resin.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.