Fabrication Process
Resin Transfer Molding / RTM Process
The Process
The resin transfer molding or RTM process is a closed molding process. AAA Fiberglass injects liquid resin into a mold cavity under pressure. Loaded into the mold cavity, dry reinforced fiber. Injected resin saturates the reinforced fiber, filling the mold cavity.
Advantages
As a more environmentally friendly process than spray-up, RTM can reduce emissions up to ten times vs. the spray-up molding method. Final products have a cleaner, finer finish both inside and out. Part consistency is improved. Encapsulated core materials are surrounded by high-strength, durable products allowing for complicated geometrical shapes.
Lite Resin Transfer Molding / LRTM Process
The Process
The lite resin transfer molding or LRTM process is also a closed molding process. Unlike RTM, LRTM injects liquid resin into a mold cavity under pressure where side A is ridge and side B is semi-rigid. There is a limited cavity pressure as resin loads into the mold cavity, dry reinforced fiber. Injected resin saturates the reinforced fiber, filling the mold cavity.
Advantages
LRTM has a lower labor cost to is more cost efficient than RTM. Similar to RTM it is also a more environmentally friendly process than spray up, RTM can reduce emissions up to ten times vs. the spray-up molding method. Final products have a cleaner, finer finish both inside and out. Part consistency is improved. Encapsulated core materials are surrounded by high strength, durable products allowing for complicated geometrical shapes.
Vacuum Infusion Bagging / VIB Process
The Process
The vacuum infusion bagging method or VIB process is a closed mold method with on ridged site and a flexible transparent or opaque flexible site. A vacuum between the sheets, remove trapped air while injecting the resin. The pressure from the outer atmosphere helps compress fibers while applying the vacuum.
Advantages
VIB can yield a stronger more flexible product has fiber loading increases to typically 60 to 70% by weight of the laminate. Since it yields a much thinner laminate, products can be much more flexible. AAA Fiberglass creates reusable silicone bags, reducing the cost for reoccurring fabrication.
Hand Lay-Up or Open Mold Process
The Process
The hand lay-up or open mold process uses a singled sided mold. A gel coat is first applied to the mold. This acts as a mold release. Then a fiber reinforcement goes over the gel coat. Either applied manually or sprayed, liquid resign goes over the fiber. Rollers help compact the laminates. Molds range from very small to very large.
Advantages
This is the least expensive FRP molding method because it requires the least amount of equipment.