Continuous fiber thermoplastic prepreg
US5205898A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 15, 1990 |
| Grant date | Apr 27, 1993 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 15, 2010 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29K2101/12
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A pultrusion machine employing a corrugated impregnator vessel to immerse multiple, continuous strand, fiber tow in an impregnating material, and an adjustable metered exit orifice for the impregnator vessel to control the quantity of impregnating material retained by the impregnated fibers, is provided. An adjustable height insert retains transverse rod elements within each depression of the corrugated vessel to maintain the individual fiber tows spread and in contact with the vessel bottom. A series of elongated heating dies, transversely disposed on the pultrusion machine and having flat heating surfaces with radiused edges, ensure adequate temperature exposed dwell time, and exert adequate pressure on the impregnated fiber tows, to provide the desired thickness and fiber/resin ratio in the prepreg formed. The prepreg passing through the pulling mechanism is wound on a suitable take-up spool for subsequent use. A formula is derived for determining the cross sectional area opening of the metering device. A modification in the heating die system employs a heated nip roller in lieu of one of the pressure applying flat dies.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.