Patent ID: 6964561
Filing Date: 2005-11-15
Classification: B29C

Abstract:
1. A vacuum-assist-resin-transfer-mold (VARTM) system for use in composite fabrication of fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) structures using dry materials and catalyzed resin comprising: a) a mold surface; b) a fiber lay-up disposed upon the mold surface; c) at least one high permeability layer (HPL) disposed adjacent the fiber lay-up, each HPL defined by opposing first and second surfaces, and a length extending between a resin source edge and a vacuum source edge, each HPL including a body of randomly orientated fibers defining a plurality of non-directional resin flow paths within the HPL extending along the length of the HPL; and d) a fluid impermeable bag disposed over the at least one high permeability layer, the fiber lay-up and the mold surface; e) wherein each HPL is arranged to have resin introduced proximate the resin source edge, while simultaneously having a vacuum applied proximate the vacuum source edge, such that the resin is vacuum drawn through the resin flow paths and distributed upon the fiber lay-up.