Novel tooling for direct melt impregnation of textile with variotherm injection moulding: Methodology and proof of concept

Thermoplastic compression resin transfer moulding coupled with injection is an appealing process for the production of thermoplastic composites. However, its implementation at industrial scale remains challenging as variotherm could prevent solid skin formation in parting line, making cavity sealing difficult. In this study, a tool and related methods parameters are presented. The validity concept proved by producing characterizing composite plates elevated fibre volume fractions advantageous mechanical properties range temperatures within cycle time not exceeding 20 min. best were obtained temperature 270°C bending strength 477 MPa, flexural modulus measured 25.7 GPa content 67%.