Types of Particulate Reinforcement

Types of Continuous Reinforcement

There are two major ways of developing products using composites. These are Hand Lay-up and Resin Transfer Molding

Hand Lay-Up

• Mold Preparation - A mold of the part to be made is created and a release film is applied to the molds surface.
  
• Gel Coating - a specially formulated resin layer which will become the outer surface of the laminate when it is complete.
  
• Hand Lay-Up - Fiberglass is applied, pre-measured resin and catalyst (hardener) are then thoroughly mixed together. . Finishing - The composite is allowed to completely harden and any machining or assembly can be performed.

Resin Transfer Molding

• Resin transfer molding (RTM) is a process used to manufacture composite components
• Fibers (e.g. glass, carbon, Kevlar, etc.) are placed dry in a mold with the desired orientation.
• The resin is then pumped in to impregnate the fibers. This hardens to form a composite material.
• This process has three advantages in that it is inexpensive, stiffness can be provided in all three directions, and any shape can be constructed.