Can Cores be molded into RTM and LRTM moldings?
JHM) Yes, it is very common to mold wood or foam cores into a part. The RTM process, having higher injection pressures limits the low density foam materials to typically a minimum of 5 pounds per cubic foot. The advantage of the low cavity pressure assisted by vacuum in the LRTM and ZIP RTM molding process allows for core density as low as 2.3 pounds per cubic foot to be used. It should be noted however, in each case that a core is used; the accuracy of that core to fit into the molding tool is a critical factor in the consistency of the molding process and product quality repeatability. Q) Can Preforms be used in either RTM or LRTM? JHM) Yes, many higher volume applications can benefit from the use of preformed reinforcements. History has proven that low to moderate volume applications especially those with several different moldings are best suited to use cold formable materials such as Saint-Gobain Multicore or Chomarat Rovicore both materials are easily formed in the actual molding
