Resin Transfer Molding (RTM) | CompositesWorld

Resin Transfer Molding (RTM) is a popular manufacturing technique in composite production, involving the infusion of resin into dry fiber reinforcements within a closed mold. This process offers precise control over resin distribution, resulting in high-quality, void-free composite parts. RTM allows for the creation of complex shapes and intricate designs while maintaining consistent mechanical properties.

Westlake Epoxy’s process on display at CAMX 2024 reduces cycle time from hours to just 15 minutes.

The Marservis PROeco is a mass transportation marine vessel using Bcomp natural fiber for interior parts in place of standard materials.

KraussMaffei supported, coordinated and delivered compact production equipment tailored to design and process needs for high-quality automotive rims.

This sidebar to CW’s August 2024 feature article reviews this technology for more efficient composites manufacturing and why it aligns with Koridion active core molding.

CAMX 2024: RTM North Ltd. presents Vac Pack, as well as its custom seals, tubes and fittings, to be used in composites RTM.

CAMX 2024: Radius Engineering showcases its Hybrid Composite Workcell with the versatility to support a range of closed-mold processes monitored by its Insights control system.

CAMX 2024: Macrodyne engineers composites and rubber hydraulic presses for domestic and international customers, capable of handling large-scale production demands to more intricate projects.

The composites industry is increasingly recognizing the imperative of sustainability in its operations. As demand for lightweight and durable materials rises across various sectors, such as automotive, aerospace, and construction, there is a growing awareness of the environmental impact associated with traditional composite manufacturing processes.

CW’s editors are tracking the latest trends and developments in tooling, from the basics to new developments. This collection, presented by Composites One, features four recent CW stories that detail a range of tooling technologies, processes and materials.

Explore the cutting-edge composites industry, as experts delve into the materials, tooling, and manufacturing hurdles of meeting the demands of the promising advanced air mobility (AAM) market. Join us at CW Tech Days to unlock the future of efficient composites fabrication operations.

Newly designed digital twin by IMDEA and Technical University of Madrid researchers enables manufacturers to see inside composite materials as they are being produced, facilitating early detection of faults.

Named the NASA Government Invention of the Year, the 3D orthogonally woven materials supports structural and thermal performance needs for Orion mission and more.

CAMX 2023: The Composites One and Closed Mold Alliance demo zone returns with short but engaging exhibitions featuring vacuum infusion, reusable bag molding, light RTM and other technologies through the show.

CAMX 2023: SWORL is highlighting its spray-fabricated reusable vacuum bags (membranes, foils) and a new sealing product for more sustainable, out-of-autoclave composites processing.

CAMX 2023: The nonhalogenated Harp Rapid resin system presented by Trimer Technologies achieves a low-temperature, tunable cure while attaining high mechanical properties, demonstrating its effectiveness in aerospace applications.

HexPly M51 prepreg and HiFlow HF610F-2 resin add to Hexcel’s delivery of faster cure cycles and thus higher production build rates.

RTM and ATL/AFP high-rate production sites feature this composites and engineering leader’s continued push for excellence and innovation for future airframes.

With its Icon BBCOR bat, Rawlings leveraged its experience in braided fabrics and RTM to create an optimized, higher-performance two-piece design.

A look back at the ambitious and impressive composites production system BMW developed for production of the all-electric i3 EV.

Maine-based CW Top Shops honoree Compotech Inc. recently doubled its manufacturing space and team to produce modular composite panels for defense applications via light resin transfer molding (LRTM).

Switching from prepreg to RTM led to significant time and cost savings for the manufacture of fiberglass struts and complex carbon fiber composite foils that power ORPC’s RivGen systems.

Sara Black’s 2015 report on the development of snap-cure epoxies for automotive manufacturing still resonates today.

What is RTM?

Resin Transfer Molding (RTM) is a popular manufacturing technique in composite production, involving the infusion of resin into dry fiber reinforcements within a closed mold.

What does RTM stand for?

Resin Transfer Molding (RTM).

What is Light RTM?

Light Resin Transfer Molding, or Light RTM, is a process by which composite products are manufactured using a closed mold system. The closed mold consists of an “A” side mold (base mold) and a semi-rigid “B” side mold (counter mold) that is sealed to the “A” side mold using vacuum pressure. Resin is drawn into the resulting cavity under vacuum.

The resin infusion may be assisted by a resin injection pump, which will accelerate the infusion process. Once an “A” side mold is cured, the “B” side mold is removed and the part is demolded from the “A” side mold.

Source: Light RTM