Carbon fiber prototype mold

Figure 1.176 shows a carbon fiber prototype mold for a 400-liter fuel tank with a simplified frame and screwed form flanges. The attachment of required fixtures like a fuel-level sensor, threaded fittings, inserts, etc. enables the rotation of prototypes in production-based design. 

FIGURE 1.176 Prototype mold with carbon fiber molded shells... 

An alternative in prototype molding is the use of carbon fiber shells, which are manufactured in an autoclave. The advantage of this application is that there are almost no restrictions for mold design. The disadvantages are the high production costs and limited lifetime. 

A prototype carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) body structure for high-speed trains using panels molded by pultrusion method (Suzuki and Sato 1993). (a) Outside of CFRP body structure (b) Inside of CFRP body structure... 

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