Introduction to RTM (Resin Transfer Molding) Products
At present, the RTM (Resin Transfer Molding) process has become quite popular in China in recent years. When this technology is applied to large-sized fiberglass products, it endows them with better mechanical properties and surface appearance. Our company uses this process to produce some civilian products, such as the large shell shown in the picture. Of course, we also produce some military products, such as torpedo cases, shell cases, the outer shells of life rafts, and the outer cabins of aviation simulators, etc.
Due to the inconvenience of international shipping, orders must be for products that can be stacked, and there should be a sufficient quantity. Otherwise, the mold cost cannot be amortized. We generally only accept processing orders and do not undertake design tasks. This is because design work is time-consuming and labor-intensive, and there are some communication barriers due to the time difference. However, once your drawings are completed, we will wholeheartedly complete the subsequent mold processing and product production for you.
The following is some general information about the RTM technology: The RTM (Resin Transfer Molding) process is an advanced composite material molding process, and the following is its detailed introduction:
Process Principle: In the RTM process, the fiber-reinforcing materials are pre-placed in a closed mold. Then, the liquid resin is injected into the mold cavity through an injection device, allowing the resin to infiltrate the fiber-reinforcing materials under pressure. Finally, under certain temperature and time conditions, it is cured and formed to obtain the required composite material products.
Process Flow：
1.Mold Preparation: Clean the mold and apply a release agent and other treatments to ensure that the product can be demolded smoothly and to guarantee the surface quality of the product.
2.Fiber Placement: According to the shape and performance requirements of the product, lay the reinforcing materials such as fiber fabrics or fiber felts in the mold in a certain way to form a preform.
3.Mold Closing: Close the upper mold and the lower mold accurately, and fasten them with bolts, clamps, etc. to ensure that there is no leakage during the resin injection process.
4.Resin Injection: Heat the liquid resin to an appropriate temperature, and inject the resin into the mold cavity through the injection device at a certain pressure and speed, so that the resin gradually infiltrates the fiber preform.
5.Curing and Forming: After the resin injection is completed, heat the mold to the set curing temperature and maintain it for a certain period of time to make the resin undergo a cross-linking reaction and cure and form into a composite material product.
6.Demolding and Post-processing: After the product is cured, cool it to room temperature, then open the mold and take out the product. Carry out post-processing procedures such as deburring, polishing, and painting on the product to meet the appearance and usage requirements of the product.
Process Characteristics：
High Product Precision: Forming with a closed mold can precisely control the size and shape of the product. The dimensional tolerance can be controlled within a small range, and the surface quality is good, enabling near-net shaping.
Ability to Form Complex-shaped Products: The fiber-reinforcing materials can be pre-arranged in the mold, adapting to the molding of various complex-shaped products, such as those with curved surfaces, variable cross-sections, and other structures.
High Fiber Content: It can make the fiber volume content in the product relatively high, generally reaching 50% - 65%, thus improving the mechanical properties such as the strength and stiffness of the product.
Higher Production Efficiency Compared with processes such as hand lay-up molding, the resin injection and curing processes of the RTM process can be automatically controlled, and the production cycle is relatively short, making it suitable for mass production.
Environmentally Friendly: Using a closed mold for molding results in less resin volatilization, reducing environmental pollution and harm to the health of operators.
Application Areas:
The RTM process is widely used in the aerospace field for manufacturing aircraft wings, fuselage structural components, satellite antenna reflectors, etc.; in the automotive industry, it can be used to produce automotive body panels, engine hoods, seat frames, and other components; in the wind power generation field, it is often used to manufacture large wind turbine blades; in addition, it is also applied in sports goods, such as bicycle frames, golf club heads, as well as in medical devices, rail transit, and other fields.
