Abstract: The invention relates to a blank for compression moulding a part in a compression mould comprising one or more moulding recesses, said blank comprising a body formed from a first moulding compound comprising a fibrous reinforcement material and a thermo-curable resin material, and a region located on the surface of the body formed from a second moulding compound; said second moulding compound comprising a fibrous reinforcement material and a thermo-curable resin material, and exhibiting increased flow at one or more temperatures between 20° C. and the cured Tg of the first moulding compound compared to the flow of the first moulding compound at the same temperature.

Abstract: The invention relates to a blank for compression moulding a part in a compression mould comprising one or more moulding recesses, said blank comprising a body formed from a first moulding compound comprising a fibrous reinforcement material and a thermo-curable resin material, and a region located on the surface of the body formed from a second moulding compound; said second moulding compound comprising a fibrous reinforcement material and a thermo-curable resin material, and exhibiting increased flow at one or more temperatures between 20° C. and the cured Tg of the first moulding compound compared to the flow of the first moulding compound at the same temperature.

Abstract: A method of preparing a stringer (101) and panel (103) lay-up comprising the steps of providing a stringer preform (303), a panel preform (508), a filler (309) and a mold (307). The mold is adapted to define an inner surface of a stringer. The method further comprises the steps of arranging the stringer preform (303) to contact the mold (307), placing filler (309) material between the mold (307) surface and stringer preform (303), and bringing the reinforcement material (303) into contact with the panel preform (508). The shape of the mold (307) is configured to control filler (309) placement and/or filler shape and/or filler volume.

Abstract: A method of preparing a stringer (101) and panel (103) lay-up comprising the steps of providing a stringer preform (303), a panel preform (508), a filler (309) and a mould (307). The mould is adapted to define an inner surface of a stringer. The method further comprises the steps of arranging the stringer preform (303) to contact the mould (307), placing filler (309) material between the mould (307) surface and stringer preform (303), and bringing the reinforcement material (303) into contact with the panel preform (508). The shape of the mould (307) is configured to control filler (309) placement and/or filler shape and/or filler volume.