Similar to closed-mold injection, the RTM machine drives mixed, air-free resin at low to relatively high injection pressures into closed molds containing high fiber content layups. The RTM machine’s on-ratio mixed material pressure forces the air ahead of the mixed material, wetting the composite preform fibers, while running the air-free resin through thin mold cross-sections to small air vent holes at far side of the mold. LRTM or Light RTM utilizes low-pressure resin injection and light-weight tools. RTM and LRTM typically allow a 30% fiber to resin ratio. Vacuum can be applied to RTM molds to assist in resin transfer.
Products Manufactured — with this application:
- Wind Turbine Blades
- Composite Parts
- Missile and Missile-Launcher
- Components
- Radomes
- Golf Club Shafts
- Telephone Poles
- Composite Panels
- Airfoils
- Bicycle Frames & Parts
- Boat Hulls, Tubs, Canoes
- Helmets
- Car Bodies
- Low Void Content Parts
Reactive Thermoset Resins Processed - (Epoxies, Polyurethanes, Polyesters, Vinyl Esters, Silicones and Polyimids):
- Unfilled, Reactive Thermoset Resins
- Heated or Room-Temperature
- 2 to 8 – Metered Components
Industries Using These Resin Dispensing Machine Processes:
- Wind Energy
- Marine
- Medical
- Industrial
- Recreational
- Automotive
Each of these DeSantis Mechatronics Dispensing Systems optionally include:
- Programmed PLC or PC-Controllers with Touchscreen Interface
- Digital User-Presets for Ratio, Shot-Size, Output-Rate, Temperatures, Vacuum Levels and Mixer Speed.
- Batch Material Preparation Tanks – apply heat, agitation and vacuum to the materials in batches
- or Continuous Thin Film Degassers – heat, agitate and degas materials on-the-fly.
- Rotary Gear Metering Pumps or Piston Metering Pumps
- Digital, Servomotor Drives for the Metering Pumps or Wedge-Driven Piston Metering Pumps
- Mass Flowmeters or Mechanical Flow Meters
- Static or Dynamic Mixers
- Purge Systems
- Data Loggers
- Vacuum Pumps
- Vacuum Control System – for precise vacuum level control in the degassing tanks and in the RTM mold.
- Transducers – monitor and digitally control mixed resin pressure in the mold.