Resin Transfer Molding (RTM)
Resin Transfer Molding (RTM) is a popular manufacturing technique in composite production, involving the infusion of resin into dry fiber reinforcements within a closed mold. This process offers precise control over resin distribution, resulting in high-quality, void-free composite parts. RTM allows for the creation of complex shapes and intricate designs while maintaining consistent mechanical properties.
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From the CW Archives: The life and death of the BMW i3
A look back at the ambitious and impressive composites production system BMW developed for production of the all-electric i3 EV.
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IMDEA introduces digital twin for real-time analysis of composite materials production
Newly designed digital twin by IMDEA and Technical University of Madrid researchers enables manufacturers to see inside composite materials as they are being produced, facilitating early detection of faults.
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Ballistic protection panels manufacturer relies on automation for high throughput, efficiency
Maine-based CW Top Shops honoree Compotech Inc. recently doubled its manufacturing space and team to produce modular composite panels for defense applications via light resin transfer molding (LRTM).
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RTM, dry braided fabric enable faster, cost-effective manufacture for hydrokinetic turbine components
Switching from prepreg to RTM led to significant time and cost savings for the manufacture of fiberglass struts and complex carbon fiber composite foils that power ORPC’s RivGen systems.
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From the CW Archives: Fast-cure epoxies for automotive fabrication
Sara Black’s 2015 report on the development of snap-cure epoxies for automotive manufacturing still resonates today.
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Bally Ribbons 3DMAT quartz composite is adopted for future NASA space missions
Named the NASA Government Invention of the Year, the 3D orthogonally woven materials supports structural and thermal performance needs for Orion mission and more.
Read MoreKnowledge Centers
Closed mold processes offer many advantages over open molding. This knowledge center details the basics of closed mold methods and the products and tools essential to producing a part correctly.
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CW’s editors are tracking the latest trends and developments in tooling, from the basics to new developments. This collection, presented by Composites One, features four recent CW stories that detail a range of tooling technologies, processes and materials.
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In the Automated Composites knowledge center, CGTech brings you vital information about all things automated composites, from the manufacturing processes to the vendors and necessary tools.
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Latest RTM News And Updates
Live demonstrations present closed molding advancements
CAMX 2023: The Composites One and Closed Mold Alliance demo zone returns with short but engaging exhibitions featuring vacuum infusion, reusable bag molding, light RTM and other technologies through the show.
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Reusable vacuum bagging, vacuum sealing solution
CAMX 2023: SWORL is highlighting its spray-fabricated reusable vacuum bags (membranes, foils) and a new sealing product for more sustainable, out-of-autoclave composites processing.
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FST-rated thermoset resin with rapid, tunable cure is designed for infusion
CAMX 2023: The nonhalogenated Harp Rapid resin system presented by Trimer Technologies achieves a low-temperature, tunable cure while attaining high mechanical properties, demonstrating its effectiveness in aerospace applications.
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Machinery, systems manufacturer highlights 3D printing, thermoplastics processing
CAMX 2023: KraussMaffei is featuring a variety of technologies, including Fiberform, ColorForm, RTM, extruder-based 3D printing and more.
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Resin injection systems promote precise infusion control, automated resin handling
CAMX 2023: Radius Engineering is presenting its highly automated Multi+ 2K Injection Systems equipment well-suited to RTM, SQRTM and VARTM processes.
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Hexcel launches novel RTM resin, rapid-cure prepreg for aerospace
HexPly M51 prepreg and HiFlow HF610F-2 resin add to Hexcel’s delivery of faster cure cycles and thus higher production build rates.
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Featured Posts
Modular, robotic cells enable high-rate RTM using any material format
Airborne’s automated ply placement systems at Airbus, GKN Aerospace and Teijin Automotive Technologies aim to maximize flexibility and intelligent automation.
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Plant tour: Spirit AeroSystems, Belfast, Northern Ireland, U.K.
Purpose-built facility employs resin transfer infusion (RTI) and assembly technology to manufacture today’s composite A220 wings, and prepares for future new programs and production ramp-ups.
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Plant tour: Albany Engineered Composites, Rochester, N.H., U.S.
Efficient, high-quality, well-controlled composites manufacturing at volume is the mantra for this 3D weaving specialist.
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Novel dry tape for liquid molded composites
MTorres seeks to enable next-gen aircraft and open new markets for composites with low-cost, high-permeability tapes and versatile, high-speed production lines.
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One-piece, one-shot, 17-meter wing spar for high-rate aircraft manufacture
GKN Aerospace has spent the last five years developing materials strategies and resin transfer molding (RTM) for an aircraft trailing edge wing spar for the Airbus Wing of Tomorrow program.
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Digital Demo: Aerospace Carbon Fiber Infusion
Learn how this process combined with carbon fiber can offer the manufacturer the benefits of increased strength and the ability to make a lighter-weight part.
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FAQ: RTM
What is RTM?
Resin Transfer Molding (RTM) is a popular manufacturing technique in composite production, involving the infusion of resin into dry fiber reinforcements within a closed mold.
What does RTM stand for?
Resin Transfer Molding (RTM).
What is Light RTM?
Light Resin Transfer Molding, or Light RTM, is a process by which composite products are manufactured using a closed mold system. The closed mold consists of an “A” side mold (base mold) and a semi-rigid “B” side mold (counter mold) that is sealed to the “A” side mold using vacuum pressure. Resin is drawn into the resulting cavity under vacuum.
The resin infusion may be assisted by a resin injection pump, which will accelerate the infusion process. Once an “A” side mold is cured, the “B” side mold is removed and the part is demolded from the “A” side mold.
Source: Light RTM
