Talk Composites - The Forum for Advanced Composites

Closed CF Shell Manufacture

http://www.talkcomposites.com/Topic7249.aspx

By LaxFriedrichs - 7/28/2013 3:50:15 PM

Currently I'm undertaking my first CF project, which involves manufacturing a 'closed' shell from CF. My skills, knowledge, and equipment are relatively basic so I'm making two sides of the shell via resin infusion and a Unimould system mould, then I will join them to get my 'closed shell' 

Not long ago I saw a Youtube video that was shared on here at the Koenigsegg factory. They seemed to be using CNC milled aluminium moulds, composed of two parts, some how laying the CF inside the parts, closing the mould, and then passing a inflatable bladder through two ends.

Like this...


I'm intrigued by this method, since joining the two sides of my shell will be a very tricky process resulting in an aesthetically and structurally inferior product.

How is the CF placed in the two halves of the mould? Where does one source an inflatable bladder? Would this process be compatible for resin infusion?

Thanks!
By RURC - 4/4/2018 6:17:36 PM






 
Drew Diller - 5/20/2014 9:38:00 PM
Matthieu - the bladder I used was silicone rubber and therefore largely epoxy-phobic. Thing almost *fell* out. You'll probably want to wax your bladder, or expect the need to peel it out forcefully. The tests I did with latex on prepreg showed a fair amount of adhesion.

How are you planning on securing your mold together? I used an MDF mold with four Uni-Strut bars at 25 psi, and EVERYTHING got slightly bent out of shape (my part is therefore somewhat inaccurate).


Drew I have been reading your posting on this method. I see that you are using Polytek Platsil 71-11. How is this working for you? I have a need to develop a similar process but not as complex a part as you have there. Please update me as to your process and how it has come over the time you posted this.