A method for molding a composite material includes arranging a prepreg on a jig molding surface of a jig for molding. The method includes sealing a first endless seal region that surrounds the prepreg is formed by bonding a resin bag and the jig molding surface by a first sealing material and a second endless seal region that surrounds the prepreg and is positioned outside the first seal region is formed by bonding a resin bag and the jig molding surface by a second sealing material. The method includes depressurizing a first space inside the first seal region and a second space between the first seal region and the second seal region are depressurized. The method includes thermally curing the prepreg by supplying a water vapor into the internal space of a pressure vessel, while holding the pressure vessel in a sealed state.

A mold used in the production of plastic materials includes a fixed element and a moving element forming a mold cavity in the closed position of the mold, at least one of the elements including at least a sealing system of the mold cavity, the sealing system being provided with at least one deformable surface made from elastic material in order to produce a sealing contact with a closure surface of the mold cavity, and the deformable surface being mounted to slide in a wall of the mold in such a way as to adjust the sealing contact.

A method for production of molded parts, in particular parts consisting of a fiber composite material, is illustrated and described. In order to reduce the load on the membrane, the membrane according to the invention can be slipped past the seal and the membrane can at least in part be slipped past the seal as a result of the expansion force.

A mold for use in the production of a ballistic article from a composite laminate stacked material wherein the mold has a sliding sealing section that nests with a outer permitter section and base portion so as to shield the sides of the composite laminate stacked material from applied isostatic pressure applied when in an autoclave. By shielding the sides of the composite laminate stacked material excess resin matrix material can be forced from the composite laminate stacked material to provide a uniform composite article with reduced weight and reduced thickness.

Thermoplastic forming tools and assemblages are provided for forming thermoplastic components. In particular, thermoplastic forming tools and assemblages are provided for forming thermoplastic components having precision micro-scale features and reproducible macro-scale dimensions. The thermoplastic forming assemblages can include at least a bottom tool and a top tool having a rigid tool body and an elastomer layer conformally coating at least a portion of both rigid tool bodies. The bottom and top tool can be so dimensioned that, when in the closed position, they define a cavity forming the thermoplastic component. The rigid tool bodies provide the reproducible macro-scale dimensions in the thermoplastic component, while the elastomer layers form and release the precision micro-scale features in the thermoplastic component when formed. Tool-forming structures are also provided for making thermoplastic forming tools and assemblages, as well as methods of making the thermoplastic forming tools, and methods of use for forming thermoplastic components.

A tool for curing a composite layup comprises a tool body having a surface adapted to support a composite layup thereon. The tool includes an integrated breather for allowing removal of air from the layup during curing.

A seal system includes a male body and a female body that are slidable in relation to one another in an axial direction and between which an interstice is arranged. Plastics in pasty state pass through the interstice to a chamber partially defined by at least one of the aforementioned bodies. An elastic strip is arranged in the interstice to prevent leakage of the plastics.

A process for the preparation of a fiber reinforced composite article that facilitates manufacturing of composite articles with reduced cycle times, said composite articles exhibiting high fibre content, low void content and excellent visual and mechanical properties, and capable of use for the construction of mass transportation vehicles, in particular, in the automotive and aerospace industries.

A system for the continuous extrusion, molding, and curing of tread for tires. An elongated strip of rubber material can be molded and cured shortly after extrusion such that the material retains much of the heat energy of extrusion and does not have to be stored. A plurality of discrete mold assemblies are conveyed adjacent to each other. As the mold assemblies are advanced sequentially, the uncured and unmolded strip of rubber material are extruded and positioned onto the mold assemblies. While the rubber strip advances, individual portions are sequentially molded and cured by passing through a mold press and then a curing press. A plug assembly is used to prevent the backflow of rubber material during the molding and curing.

The present disclosure discloses a cold isostatic pressing apparatus. The apparatus comprises a container having a cavity to hold a pressure medium. The cavity comprises one or more openings. The openings comprise a first opening and a second opening. The cavity is configured to receive at least one sample through the first opening. The apparatus further comprises a closure member configured to seal the first opening and for the introduction and removal of the sample(s). The apparatus further comprises at least one high pressure pump in fluid communication with the container through the second opening. The high-pressure pump is configured to deliver the pressure medium at high pressure to isostatically compress and compact the sample.