Patent ID: 6560843
Filing Date: 2003-05-13
Classification: B29C,Y10T

Abstract:
A method for accurately positioning a mandrel in a resin transfer molding die to assure the desired resin-to-fiber ratio in a fiber-reinforced part molded with resin in the die and to assure the reliable and consistent molding of the part with minimum weight and adequate strength, the mandrel defining the inner mold line of the part and being positioned within a mold cavity defining the outer mold line of the part, comprising the steps of:(a) forming at least one seating recess in the die in relationship with the mold cavity for receiving at least one index/seal pin; (b) attaching at least one index/seal pin to the mandrel; and (c) positioning the mandrel and pin combination by seating the pin in the recess to provide accurate positioning of the mandrel in the cavity and to seal the cavity against egress of resin.