The compression response of fibre-reinforced plastic plates during manufacture by the resin infusion under flexible tooling method

Resin infusion under flexible tooling (RIFT) is a variant of vacuum-driven resin transfer moulding in which one of the solid mould faces is replaced by a polymeric film. One variant of the process is known commercially as SCRIMP. In comparison with traditional hand lay-up, the process has obvious health and safety advantages, through reductions in worker contact with liquid resin and in reduced emissions to the environment. Additionally, laminate mechanical properties are improved by higher fibre contents and lower voidage. In comparison with conventional (matched mould) resin transfer moulding, the process can offer a substantial reduction in tooling costs, especially for large parts. As one of the tool faces is flexible, the moulded laminate thickness depends in part on the compressibility of the reinforcement and on its interaction with the flowing resin. This paper describes a preliminary experimental study of the measurement of fabric compression and the effects of the interaction between reinforcement and resin flow on the final component thickness. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Limited.