A method for preparing a part using a rigid tool surface having a shape. The method includes applying a breather sheet comprising gas-permeable material over the rigid tool surface. A vacuum bag is applied over the breather sheet, and a vacuum pressure is applied underneath the vacuum bag to conform the breather sheet and the vacuum bag to the shape of the rigid tool surface. A resin pre-impregnated ply is applied over the vacuum bag, and the part is positioned over the ply.

A method for preparing a part using a rigid tool surface having a shape. The method includes applying a breather sheet comprising gas-permeable material over the rigid tool surface. A vacuum bag is applied over the breather sheet, and a vacuum pressure is applied underneath the vacuum bag to conform the breather sheet and the vacuum bag to the shape of the rigid tool surface. A resin pre-impregnated ply is applied over the vacuum bag, and the part is positioned over the ply.

The present invention relates to multi-layered composite structures and to methods for the preparation thereof. The present multi-layered composite structures are light weight and capable of high load bearing making the present multi-layered composite structures especially suitable to be used as load bearing structures in, for example, automotive. Specifically, the present invention relates to methods comprising the steps of a) providing a mould for said multi-layered composite structure; b) layering said mould with two or more layers forming the outer surface of said multi-layered composite; c) filling said layered mould with a mixture comprised of non-expanded heat-expandable microspheres and closing said mould; and d) subjecting said closed mould to a temperature of 80° C. to 140° C. during 1 to 230 minutes thereby providing a relative pressure in said closed mould of 0.1 to 20 bar through expansion of said heat-expandable microspheres thereby forming a multi-layered composite structure in said mould with a foam enforced inner core and a multi-layered outer surface; and e) separating the multi-layered composite structure from said mould.

The present invention relates to multi-layered composite structures and to methods for the preparation thereof. The present multi-layered composite structures are light weight and capable of high load bearing making the present multi-layered composite structures especially suitable to be used as load bearing structures in, for example, automotive. Specifically, the present invention relates to methods comprising the steps of a) providing a mould for said multi-layered composite structure; b) layering said mould with two or more layers forming the outer surface of said multi-layered composite; c) filling said layered mould with a mixture comprised of non-expanded heat-expandable microspheres and closing said mould; and d) subjecting said closed mould to a temperature of 80° C. to 140° C. during 1 to 230 minutes thereby providing a relative pressure in said closed mould of 0.1 to 20 bar through expansion of said heat-expandable microspheres thereby forming a multi-layered composite structure in said mould with a foam enforced inner core and a multi-layered outer surface; and e) separating the multi-layered composite structure from said mould.

A method and apparatus (14) for assembling a reinforcement web (12) for use with a wind turbine blade (10) are provided. A pre-formed flange structure (20) to be integrated with laminate layers (58, 60) to form the reinforcement web (12) is clamped into position against a mould end surface (76) using one or more locating clamps (16). The locating clamps (16) include first and second clamp blocks (80, 82) that are shaped to provide an external profile that avoids resin collection and bridging during resin injection molding, while allowing for clamping to be applied to the flange structure (20) with an easily assembled and disassembled removable engagement of the clamp blocks (80, 82). The locating clamp (16) prevents undesirable dislodgment of the flange structure (20) during the assembly process for the reinforcement web (12), and without necessitating the use of complex or expensive molding equipment or processes.

A fiber-composite part having one or more electronic components that are located in arbitrary regions of the internal volume of the part are fabricated using a preform charge. The preform charge has a structure that corresponds to that of the mold cavity in which the part is being formed. By incorporating the electronic components in the preform charge, such components are then precisely located, spatially oriented, and constrained, and such location and orientation is maintained during molding to produce a part with the electronic components in the desired locations and orientations within its internal volume.

Disclosed herein are fully automated methods for shaping a composite material.

Provided is a method for pretensioning the membrane of a press, including the following steps: a) providing a press having a first pressing tool, a second pressing tool and a membrane. The first pressing tool and the second pressing tool are movable relative to one another, wherein the membrane is connected to one of the pressing tools. A cavity for a working medium is formed between the membrane and the pressing tool connected thereto. The cavity is sealed by at least one seal which presses onto the membrane with a sealing force; b) providing at least one workpiece, wherein the workpiece includes a matrix and fibres embedded therein; c) inserting the workpiece into the press; d) closing the press; e) subjecting the workpiece to pressure and/or to heat by means of the membrane. A cured shaped part is formed from the workpiece; and f) opening the press and removing the shaped part. In order to ensure as smooth as possible a surface of the membrane, it is proposed that the membrane is already pretensioned before step e). Also presented and described is a press for carrying out this method.

Articles of wear having one or more textiles that include a low processing temperature polymeric composition and a high processing temperature polymeric composition, and methods of manufacturing the same are disclosed. The low processing temperature polymeric composition and the high processing temperature polymeric composition can be selectively incorporated into a textile to provide one or more structural properties and/or other advantageous properties to the article. The textile can be thermoformed to impart such structural and/or other advantageous properties to the article of wear. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure.

Articles of wear having one or more textiles that include a low processing temperature polymeric composition and a high processing temperature polymeric composition, and methods of manufacturing the same are disclosed. The low processing temperature polymeric composition and the high processing temperature polymeric composition can be selectively incorporated into a textile to provide one or more structural properties and/or other advantageous properties to the article. The textile can be thermoformed to impart such structural and/or other advantageous properties to the article of wear. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure.