Validation of a low inertia mold with rectangular heating channels for injection process

International audienceCurrent molding processes for high performance composite materials do not meet future expectations of composite manufacturers in terms of cadence, particularly for aeronautics and automotive [1]. Researches are currently being carried out on resin, reinforcements and process automation, with the aim of increasing composite production line productivity for being competitive in terms of cost-quality-cadence. However, current molds are designed according to rules from the field of plastic injection, which leads to massive structures and low thermal performances [2]. For efficiency on the complete production line, it is essential to conduct research on molds to increase their thermomechanical responses. In a previous study [3], it was demonstrated that the transition from circular to rectangular heating channels, with consideration of technological aspects (pump and pressure drops) could significantly increase heating rates of the structure. The main purpose of this study is to experimentally validate thermal performances of an innovative low inertia mold with rectangular channels compared to a massive reference RTM mold as presented in Figure 1