The aerospace and vehicle industry is constantly innovating to achieve lighter, stronger, and more efficient designs. One of the technologies transforming the manufacturing of composite parts is resin transfer molding (RTM). This process allows for the creation of high-quality, high-performance composite material parts, ideal for applications requiring maximum strength with the least possible weight.
In this article, we will analyze how RTM is drastically improving the manufacturing of composite parts in the aerospace and vehicle industry. We will discover the benefits this technology brings and why it is becoming an indispensable process to achieve the designs of the future.
What is resin transfer molding?
RTM is a high-tech composite material molding process. It uses a closed mold into which resin is pressure injected to impregnate the dry fibers that have been previously arranged inside the mold.
The process consists of several steps:
- Mold Preparation: a custom mold is made, usually of metal or composite. This must have channels for resin injection and air outlets.
- Fiber Placement: dry fibers, such as carbon fiber or fiberglass, are placed inside the mold. They can be in the form of fabric, mat, or even preformed pieces.
- Mold Closure: the mold is hermetically sealed and fixed to the injection press.
- Resin Injection: liquid resin, usually epoxy or polyester, is pressure injected, completely impregnating the fibers.
- Curing: the piece is left to cure in the mold to harden.
- Part Removal: finally, the mold is opened, and the cured piece is removed.
The result is a composite material part with a high strength-to-weight ratio, excellent finishes, and complex geometries.
Advantages of RTM in the aerospace industry
The aerospace industry is one of the most demanding in terms of the quality and performance requirements of the materials it uses. Aerospace components must withstand extreme temperature, pressure, humidity, and vibration conditions, as well as comply with strict safety and efficiency standards.
The main advantages that RTM offers compared to other composite manufacturing methods are:
Excellent finishes and greater precision
As RTM uses a closed mold under pressure, it allows for parts with very high-quality surface finishes, without porosity. Also, as there is no resin shrinkage during curing, excellent dimensional tolerances and precision are achieved.
This is essential for many structural parts in airplanes and spacecraft, which must fit perfectly. It also allows for direct application of special coatings on the surface of the molded part.
Greater automation
Manual laminating processes with autoclaves are more artisanal. In contrast, RTM, being a closed and computer-controlled process, allows for greater automation, efficiency, and higher production rates.
In addition, much greater repeatability is achieved in the characteristics of parts manufactured in large batches or series, which is crucial for the aeronautical industry.
Freedom in design and complex geometries
Thanks to using a closed mold, RTM enables the manufacture of parts with very complex shapes, with variations in thickness, internal ribs, and geometries impossible to achieve with other methods.
This is indispensable for creating light and strong structural parts in airplanes, such as spars or the leading edges of wings.
How composite materials improve performance
The introduction of these composite parts manufactured by RTM is causing a real revolution in the aerospace and defense sector. Thanks to this, spectacular improvements in aircraft performance are being achieved.
Reduced weight
RTM-molded composite parts with fibers like carbon or fiberglass are extraordinarily light compared to their high mechanical strength.
This is allowing for a significant reduction in the total weight of airplanes, helicopters, and spacecraft. Reducing weight is critical both for lowering fuel consumption and for being able to carry more passengers and payload.
Greater mechanical strength and durability
In addition to being lighter, composite structures produced via RTM are much more resistant than metallic ones. They better withstand tensile, compressive, fatigue, fracture, corrosion, and extreme temperatures.
This is allowing for the manufacturing of safer and more durable airplanes, with a longer service life, less maintenance, and better behavior in impacts.
Optimized aerodynamic shapes
The versatility offered by RTM to produce complex geometries impossible with metal is revolutionizing the aerodynamic design of aircraft.
By being able to create curved shapes, wing-like structures, and much smoother and efficient surfaces, significant improvements are being achieved in fuel consumption, speed, flight autonomy, and maneuverability.
RTM for improving vehicles and other applications
Beyond the aerospace sector, this technology is being implemented in many other fields to manufacture all kinds of high-performance parts, such as in automotive, transport, renewable energies, construction, or even consumer products.
Practically any part or product that requires superior mechanical properties relative to its weight can benefit from being manufactured in composite via RTM: camera cases, tripods, suitcases, robotic components, medical prostheses, boat masts, bike frames, pipes, etc.
At Iberia Compositech, we specialize in the design and manufacture of all types of parts and composite material structures using technologies such as RTM, infusion, manual or automatic lamination.
We have the most modern facilities and equipment to develop any composite project, as well as an experienced team of engineers experts in this exciting technology.
If you are considering adopting composite solutions for your products or production processes, do not hesitate to contact our specialists. We will be delighted to advise you and propose the best solution.