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.

Designing an infused, two-piece composite baseball bat
RTM

Designing an infused, two-piece composite baseball bat

With its Icon BBCOR bat, Rawlings leveraged its experience in braided fabrics and RTM to create an optimized, higher-performance two-piece design.

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Airtech
Coast-Line Intl

Latest RTM Articles

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RTM

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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RTM

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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RTM

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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Feature

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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Epoxies

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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RTM

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.

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Knowledge Centers

Design, Simulation and Testing Technologies for Next-Gen Composite Structures
Design, Simulation and Testing Technologies for Next-Gen Composite Structures

Review the state of the art in design, simulation, failure analysis, digital twins, virtual testing and virtual inspection.

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Sustainability
Sustainability

The composites industry is increasingly recognizing the imperative of sustainability in its operations. As demand for lightweight and durable materials rises across various sectors, such as automotive, aerospace, and construction, there is a growing awareness of the environmental impact associated with traditional composite manufacturing processes.

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Composites in Advanced Air Mobility
Composites in Advanced Air Mobility

Explore the cutting-edge composites industry, as experts delve into the materials, tooling, and manufacturing hurdles of meeting the demands of the promising advanced air mobility (AAM) market. Join us at CW Tech Days to unlock the future of efficient composites fabrication operations.

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Chem Trend
Harper International Carbon Fiber
pro-set epoxy laminate infusion tool high temp Tg
Thermwood Corp.
Airtech International Inc.

Latest RTM News And Updates

Infusion

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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RTM

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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Infusion

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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CAMX

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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RTM

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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Prepregs

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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KraussMaffei Metering Systems
Airtech
Carbon Fiber 2024
CompositesWorld
Chem Trend

Featured Posts

Composites 4.0

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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RTM

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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Aerospace

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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ATL/AFP

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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Work In Progress

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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Carbon Fibers

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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CAMX 2024
CompositesWorld
3D industrial laser projection
NewStar Adhesives - Nautical Adhesives
Airtech International Inc.

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

HEATCON Composite Systems
Kraussmaffei Metering Systems