Composites Research

The Korean Society for Composite Materials (한국복합재료학회)
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Multi-stage Compression Molding Technology of Fast Curing CF/Epoxy Prepreg

속경화용 탄소섬유/에폭시 프리프레그의 다단 압축 성형기술

  • Received : 2021.08.12
  • Accepted : 2021.09.30
  • Published : 2021.11.05
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Abstract

PCM (Prepreg Compression Molding) process is a high-speed molding technology that can manufacture high-quality CFRP (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic) parts. Compared to the autoclave process, it generates less waste and can significantly reduce cycle time, so various studies are being conducted in the aerospace and automobile industries. In this study, in order to improve the quality of the PCM process, a molding method was developed to increase the compression pressure of the press step by step according to the curing behavior of the prepreg. It was confirmed that this multi-stage compression molding technology is a good means to produce high-quality CFRP products and shorten cycle times. And, the laminated prepreg at room temperature was immediately put into the mold and preheated and molded at the same time, so that it could be molded without a separate preheating process. In addition, as a result of applying the same process conditions optimized for flat plate molding to three-dimensional shapes, a product similar to a flat plate in appearance could be made without the process of establishing process conditions.

프리프레그 압축성형(PCM, Prepreg Compression Molding) 공정은 고품질 CFRP(Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic) 제품을 제조할 수 있는 고속성형기술이다. 오토클레이브 공정에 비해 폐기물 발생이 적고 사이클타임을 크게 줄일 수 있어 항공우주 및 자동차 산업에서 다양한 연구가 진행되고 있다. 본 연구에서는 PCM 공정의 품질을 높이기 위해 프리프레그의 경화거동을 따라 프레스의 압축압력을 단계별로 증가시키는 성형법에 대해 연구하였고, 이러한 다단 압축 성형법이 우수한 품질의 CFRP 제품을 생산하고 사이클타임을 단축할 수 있는 좋은 수단임을 확인하였다. 그리고 상온에서 적층한 프리프레그를 금형에 투입하여 예열과 성형을 동시에 함으로써 별도의 예열 공정 없이 제품을 성형할 수 있었다. 또한 평판 성형에 최적화된 공정조건을 3차원 형상물에 동일하게 적용한 결과 외관상 평판과 유사한 제품을 공정조건 수립 과정 없이 만들 수 있었다.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

본 연구는 중소벤처기업부와 한국산업기술진흥원의 '지역기업 개방형혁신 바우처(R&D, P0010774)' 사업의 지원을 받아 수행된 연구결과입니다. 지원에 대해 진심으로 감사드립니다.

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