Patent ID: 8372327

Claim:
A method of molding a composite part using a resin transfer molding process, comprising the steps of: (A) placing a susceptor on and covering respective substantially matching contoured surfaces of opposing dies, each of the dies comprising multiple stacked metal sheets positioned in a generally perpendicular configuration relative to the contoured surfaces, wherein the adjacent stacked metal sheets are separated by air gaps forming a plurality of passageways for passing a cooling medium, and said susceptors defining a mold cavity; (B) introducing a fiber preform into the mold cavity between the susceptors; (C) heating the mold cavity by inductively heating the susceptors following closing and substantially sealing of said mold cavity with respect to a pressure external to said mold cavity; and (D) infusing the preform with resin to form a part by transferring resin from a resin source into the sealed mold cavity.