초록 ▼

An automated transfer/injection molding apparatus and process is defined that includes a charge forming unit, a shuttle unit, and a molding unit. The charge is formed from one or more slabs of reinforcing fibers and a resinous material. Once formed, the charge is preheated in the charge shuttle unit

An automated transfer/injection molding apparatus and process is defined that includes a charge forming unit, a shuttle unit, and a molding unit. The charge is formed from one or more slabs of reinforcing fibers and a resinous material. Once formed, the charge is preheated in the charge shuttle unit and is delivered to the molding unit, whereupon the preheated charges are forced by the pressure of a movable platform under vacuum into a mold cavity for polymerization. The fibers within the slabs are randomly oriented in parallel horizontal planes such that they are always parallel to the direction of initial flow into the cavity.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [1.] An apparatus for molding a fiber reinforced part, said apparatus comprising:a charge forming unit for forming a charge of resin having a plurality of reinforcing fibers, wherein the fibers are positioned in parallel horizontal planes; anda molding unit including an upper die and a

[ We claim:] [1.] An apparatus for molding a fiber reinforced part, said apparatus comprising:a charge forming unit for forming a charge of resin having a plurality of reinforcing fibers, wherein the fibers are positioned in parallel horizontal planes; anda molding unit including an upper die and a lower die cooperating to form at least part of a mold cavity when closed; said lower die having an opening therein; a platform in the opening in the lower die; and moving means for moving the platform relative to the lower die;said moving means lowering the platform below the lower die to permit a charge to be loaded thereon;means for closing the upper and lower dies together to form the mold cavity; andsaid moving means, thereafter, raising the platform towards the lower die to introduce the charge into the mold cavity so that the fibers are maintained in an orientation roughly parallel to the die surface to form a fiber reinforced part in which the fiber integrity is essentially undisturbed from Initial charge forming through final curing.