초록 ▼

A transfer/injection molding apparatus and process is defined that includes a charge forming unit. The charge is formed so that the fibers therein are randomly oriented in substantially parallel horizontal planes such that they are always substantially parallel to the direction of initial flow into

A transfer/injection molding apparatus and process is defined that includes a charge forming unit. The charge is formed so that the fibers therein are randomly oriented in substantially parallel horizontal planes such that they are always substantially parallel to the direction of initial flow into the cavity of the molding unit. The charge forming unit includes a cutter for cutting sheet material into strips and a wind-up fork for rolling the strips into wrapped charges. The wrapped charges are formed by winding the strips around prongs extending from the wind-up fork. Further, the fork is attached to a robotic arm which loads the wrapped charge into the molding die.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. An apparatus for forming a fiber reinforced component, the apparatus comprising:an advancing assembly for advancing a sheet of fiber reinforced plastic;a cutting assembly for cutting a strip from said sheet of fiber reinforced plastic;means for rolling said strip to for

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. An apparatus for forming a fiber reinforced component, the apparatus comprising:an advancing assembly for advancing a sheet of fiber reinforced plastic;a cutting assembly for cutting a strip from said sheet of fiber reinforced plastic;means for rolling said strip to form an oblong-shaped wrapped charge having a plurality of stacked layers in which fibers therein are essentially oriented parallel to each other;a molding assembly having upper and lower die surfaces forming a mold cavity therebetween; anda loading assembly for loading said wrapped charge into said molding assembly such that the fibers in the charge are essentially parallel to the upper and lower die surfaces, wherein said fiber reinforced component is formed In said mold cavity.