Patent ID: 6752190
Filing Date: 2004-06-22
Classification: B29B,B29C

Abstract:
A method of producing substantially cured fiber reinforced lamination in situ while laying up at least one thermoset resin-impregnated fiber tow or tape on a mandrel, comprising:passing the at least one thermoset resin-impregnated fiber tow or tape through a preheating zone of a fiber placement apparatus to preheat the thermoset-resin impregnated fiber tow or tape to a predetermined temperature based on the particular thermoset resin so as to partially advance curing of the thermoset resin; and laying up on the mandrel the at least one fiber tow or tape impregnated with the thermoset resin in a preheated state and exhibiting a partially advanced cure while simultaneously advancing the curing of the thermoset resin to substantial completion of greater than 60% cross-link density by: supplying heat to an area of the mandrel proximate a location of application thereto of the at least one thermoset resin-impregnated fiber tow or tape; monitoring a plurality of parameters associated with application of the at least one thermoset resin-impregnated fiber tow or tape by the fiber placement apparatus to the mandrel; and controlling a degree of advancement of cure of the thermoset resin in the at least one thermoset resin-impregnated fiber tow or tape as a function of values of at least one of the monitored parameters.