It is a classic method of contact hand laying where the
gelcoat is applied on the cleaned mould. A resin is spread onto
the polymerised gelcoat; individual layers of glass reinforcement
are inserted into and soaked by the resin. This procedure is
applicable to products varying in shape and to prototypes and
small-lot productions. Advantages of this technology is a low
investment demand with respect to the production facility cost.
RTM
technology:
RTM technology, which is known also as injection moulding, belongs
to machine technologies that are suitable for complex and precise
products made in large series. This technology is based on closed
reinforced moulds and a mixing and feeding equipment; a special
glass reinforcement must be applied.
Lamination
below a cloth:
This technology is basically similar to the RTM technology except
that the upper part of the mould is replaced by a cloth (or
a shell). This method is suitable for larger parts that must
meet stronger strength criteria. Further advantage is better
quality of the back side of the product and higher productivity
in comparison with the hand-lay.
Prepreg
technology:
Prepreg technology is based on preimpregnated materials
that consist of matrix (resin) and glass reinforcement. Simpler
technological process, low volumetric weight and excellent mechanical
parameters belong to advantages of the Prepreg technology.
Prepreg materials are used in aeronautical, railway and ship
industries as well as in sport and leisure articles and wind
power plants.
Vacuum
forming of thermoplastics:
Vacuum forming is a technology of heat treatment of thermoplastics.
The manufacturing process is based on clamping the plastic sheet
or foil in a frame of a vacuum press. The sheet is heated up
to the forming temperature and formed by means of vacuum after
the heating plates are removed. Low production costs related
to moulds and high productivity due to mould reusing belong
to advantages of this method.
