The Boeing Company
Apparatus and method for manufacturing liquid molded composites using a discrete network of tool surface resin distribution grooves

Abstract:

A tool and its method of use direct a flow of liquid resin through a preform. The tool has a tool surface with a channel recessed into the tool surface to a bottom surface of the channel. A plate is positioned on the tool surface covering over the channel with the plate being supported by the tool in the channel spaced above the bottom surface of the channel and with the top surface of the plate positioned coplanar with the tool surface of the tool. A preform is positioned on the tool surface with the preform covering over the plate. A flow of liquid resin is supplied to the tool surface and a pressure differential communicating with the tool surface draws the flow of liquid resin into the channel, through the channel and through a plurality of perforations through the plate and into the preform.