Search Results

Fiber Directed Preform and SprayVeil™ rovings can be used as the reinforcement in Liquid Composite Molding (LCM) applications where surface quality is important. In this paper, Fiber Directed Preforming and SprayVeil rovings are compared to continuous strand mat and conventional surfacing veil. Factors impacting the quality of the liquid composite molded surface are explored. Polyester/Compression Molded (matched die molded) Composites were studied in a fractional factorial designed experiment. Responses were part quality, surface appearance, and mechanical properties.

The process of Liquid Composite Molding (LCM) to produce structural composites has gained considerable attention over the last several years. One barrier to gaining further acceptance is the lack of knowledge and process expertise in preform reinforcement production. If the LCM process is to gain acceptance in the molding industry and retain its advantage of low cost, equally low-cost methods of preform production must be coupled with the molding. There are two forms of glass fiber reinforcement and preforming methods readily available to process three-dimensional preforms for liquid composite molding. These are thermoforming of a continuous strand mat and fiber directed preforming with a multi-end roving. In addition, thermoforming of a reinforcement product that is a combined chopped strand mat and woven roving is also possible.