Prepreg mould preparation

For rather simple and extensively uniform lay-nps, the prepreg tape can be directly unrolled onto the monld, skipping the intermediate step of cut-out preparation. In this case, the tape is cut directly in the mould and on top of the previously laid-up plies. 

Some part geometries, such as stiffener-reinforced panels, require preparing sub-structures (preforms) prior to lay-up of the part. These could, for example, consist of a C-channel stiffener made from several prepreg plies. Such a preform can be manufactured by the same lay-up techniques as described above, e.g. by depositing ply by ply into a C-shaped mould. As an alternative, preforms can also be made by the process of hot forming. 

LCP/carbon-fibre composites have been developed and are used as secondary composites within the aerospace industry. LCP matrices offer low viscosity for the impregnation of the fibres, and excellent chemical resistance. Impregnation is achieved in a cross-head die, after which the composite panels are prepared by compression moulding the stacked prepreg sheets. 

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