Abstract: In an automated apparatus and method for resin transfer molding, a resin pot defining a resin chamber for receiving liquid resin is coupled in fluid communication with a mold cavity. A pump unit in the form of a piston member driven by a hydraulic cylinder, is received within the resin chamber, and pumps the resin from the resin chamber into the mold cavity upon stroking the piston member. A control unit is coupled to the pump unit, and to a pressure sensor which transmits signals to the control unit indicative of the pressure of the resin flowing between the resin chamber and the mold cavity. The control unit is responsive to the signals from the pressure sensor to control the pump unit, and maintain the resin flowing between the resin chamber and the mold cavity at a substantially constant pressure.

Abstract: According to this invention there is provided a method for producing glass mat using glass having a relatively high alkali content which comprises chopping the glass fibers while wet and thereafter freezing the wet fiber glass in order to prevent leaching of the alkali constituents. The frozen glass fiber can then be crushed and used to prepare a glass fiber mat in a wet process.