A Technical And Economical Evaluation Of Rp Technology For Rtm Tooling Dj Dippenaar by D.j. Dippenaar instant download after payment.

This project investigates the use of Rapid Prototyping (RP), with specific focus

on Three Dimensional Printing (3DP), in the manufacture of complex shaped advanced

composite parts, using variants of the Resin Transfer Moulding (RTM)

method of composite manufacture. This study developed design guidelines, cost

models and a process chain by studying data obtained by making example parts,

from literature and consultation with industry. Advanced composite materials offer

some of the best low weight and high specific strength properties for the solution

of design problems. A major disadvantage of these processes, however, is the

low production rates possible and the need of costly moulds. The 3DP technologies

combined with the RTM composite process was found to enable a lowering

of costs and increase in productivity if smaller batch sizes are considered. The

most meaningful area of application for RP techniques seems to be for smaller

and more complex components. The geometrical freedom allowed by RP technologies

allowed the manufacture of parts which are challenging to manufacture

by conventional technology such as CNC machining. Example part case studies

were completed for a simple part utilising the one sided mould Resin Infusion

RTM variant as well as for a complex part utilising the closed mould Vacuum Assisted

Resin Transfer Moulding (VARTM) process variant.