There are many methods in composite product manufacturing. Generally, methods such as hand lay-up with prepreg, wet lay-up, hot pressing, vacuum bagging method, autoclave method, filament winding method, resin transfer molding method, etc., can be mentioned.
For the production using prepreg, it starts with the selection of fabrics. At this stage, generally fabrics consisting of glass or carbon fibers are selected, and the fabric weight and weave are determined according to the usage.
Based on the application to be used, the resin system is selected according to the process and its properties. Part production can be achieved using processes such as autoclave, hot press, and vacuum method. Resin systems are developed to meet special performance requirements such as low temperature curing, fire retardancy, and high toughness.
The selection of the part production method from prepreg should be made according to the requirements of the application. For the production of simple and fast parts, the hot press method may be preferred, while for the production of more complex parts, vacuum or autoclave methods may be chosen.
Hot press is the simplest and most common method used to produce parts from prepreg. In the hot press method, the prepreg is cut to the appropriate thickness before being placed in the mold. After the prepreg is placed inside the mold, it is pressed with the help of a press.
Besides being a widely used process in the industry, the hot press method also brings many advantages. This method can be effectively used in the production of high-strength and lightweight parts. Additionally, the controllability of the process increases the consistency of the parts and enhances production efficiency.
Autoclave is the most advanced method used to produce parts from prepreg. In this method, the prepreg is placed inside a mold, and then cured under high temperature and pressure with the help of an autoclave. The autoclave provides the necessary temperature and pressure for the curing of the prepreg.
In the autoclave method, the prepreg is cut to the appropriate thickness before being placed in the mold. After the prepreg is placed inside the mold, it is cured under high temperature and pressure with the help of an autoclave. The autoclave usually operates at temperatures between 180°C and 220°C and pressures between 10 and 20 bar. The prepreg is hardened by curing in the autoclave.
Vacuum is another method used to produce parts from prepreg. In this method, the prepreg is placed inside a mold, and then the air inside the mold is evacuated with the help of a vacuum pump. Vacuum removes all air from the mold during the curing of the prepreg, enhancing the quality and strength of the prepreg.
In the vacuum method, the prepreg is cut to the appropriate thickness before being placed in the mold. After the prepreg is placed inside the mold, the air inside the mold is evacuated with the help of a vacuum pump. Under vacuum, the prepreg is cured and hardened.
