Abstract: The present invention relates to low or zero-tack composite materials such as pre-pregs and their use in automated manufacturing, particularly robotic pick and place. The present invention further relates to an automated process for preparing an article, particularly a molded article, from a fiber-reinforced composition material. The molded articles prepared by the process described herein are particularly suitable as components for transport applications, and particularly the automotive industry. The automotive components prepared by the present invention are particularly suitable as mid- or high-volume automotive parts, in which cost and speed of production are paramount. The present invention provides a process in which the cutting and handling of pre-preg materials is greatly simplified, providing advantages of efficiency and economy.

Abstract: A tool for use in forming molded articles, comprising a tool body formed of a ceramic material preferably porous with a porosity of between 40% and 60% and in the form of a foam. The tool body is profiled to define the mold surface(s) of the tool. The outer surface of the tool can be sealed with epoxy sealant to provide the mold surface(s) of the tool. An elastomeric layer can be applied to the surface(s) of the tool body and a resinous material, such as a fiber reinforced material, applied to the elastomeric layer, wherein the elastomeric layer inhibits the movement of resin from the resinous layer into the porous ceramic body, and the resinous layer defines the mold surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to low or zero-tack composite materials such as pre-pregs and their use in automated manufacturing, particularly robotic pick and place. The present invention further relates to an automated process for preparing an article, particularly a moulded article, from a fibre-reinforced composition material. The moulded articles prepared by the process described herein are particularly suitable as components for transport applications, and particularly the automotive industry. The automotive components prepared by the present invention are particularly suitable as mid- or high-volume automotive parts, in which cost and speed of production are paramount. The present invention provides a process in which the cutting and handling of pre-preg materials is greatly simplified, providing advantages of efficiency and economy.

Abstract: A tool for use in forming moulded articles, the tool comprising a tool body formed of a foamed material, a resinous material on the tool body and elastomeric material between said tool body and resinous material to inhibit the movement of resin from the resinous material into the tool body. The invention also provides a method of manufacturing a tool, a method of moulding articles using such a tool, and elastomeric material for use in forming a tool. One particular application of the tools of the present invention is in the formation or manufacture of moulded articles using curable, resinous composite materials.

Abstract: A tool (10) for use in forming moulded articles, comprising a tool body (12) formed of a ceramic material, preferably porous with a porosity of between 40% and 60% and in the form of a foam. The tool body (12) is profiled to define the mould surface(s) of the tool (10). The outer surface (11) of the tool (10) can be sealed with epoxy sealant to provide the mould surface(s) of the tool. An elastomeric layer (16) can be applied to the surface(s) of the tool body (12) and a resinous material (14), such as a fibre reinforced material, applied to the elastomeric layer (16), wherein the elastomeric layer (16) inhibits the movement of resin from the resinous layer (14) into the porous ceramic body, and the resinous layer (14) defines the mould surface.

Abstract: The invention provides moulding materials methodology for manufacturing such moulding materials, articles moulded from such materials, kits and methodology for moulding articles using said materials, the moulding materials comprising a fibrous material comprising continuous reinforcement fibres at least some of which are cut at least one point along their length. Continuous reinforcement fibres are generally unidirectional fibres, woven, knitted, braided or stitched fibrous materials.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a composite and of securing a metallic coating to a resin-based composite material, comprising the provision of a keying structure on a metallic electroplated preform and bringing the keying structure and the composite material together under conditions to cause the composite material and the keying structure to interlock. The invention also provides a composite comprising a resin-based composite material with a metallic coating on a surface, or part surface thereof, the metallic coating comprising an outer electroplated preform, and an inner keying structure which is located generally between said electroplated preform and the composite material to provide attachment of the electroplated preform on the composite material.

Abstract: A tool for use in forming moulded articles, the tool comprising a tool body formed of a foamed material, a resinous material on the tool body and elastomeric material between said tool body and resinous material to inhibit the movement of resin from the resinous material into the tool body. The invention also provides a method of manufacturing a tool, a method of moulding articles using such a tool, and elastomeric material for use in forming a tool. One particular application of the tools of the present invention is in the formation or manufacture of moulded articles using curable, resinous composite materials.

Abstract: A fully biodegradable fibre reinforced composite adapted for use as a medical implant which is shaped and processed by means of a resin reaction injection transfer molding process adapted for predetermining shape, physical properties and degradation profile, shaped preform and/or composition for preparation of the shaped composite, process for the production of the shaped composite comprising obtaining a shaped preform and impregnating with resin with simultaneous processing thereof, shaped composite comprising thermoplastic matrix and fibres adapted for use as a medical implant, characterised by a differential degradation of matrix with respect to fibres adapted to degrade via an intermediate shaped structure comprising residual porous matrix or residual fibre form respectively and selection of composite is made for primary growth of a preferred cell type, throughout voids created by degraded matrix or fibre respectively, according to the desired healing or reconstruction locus, the shaped composites for use