Pultrusion is a continuous process of manufacturing of composite materials with constant cross-section whereby reinforced fibers are pulled through a resin, possibly followed by a separate preforming system, and into a heated die, where the resin undergoes polymerization. Many resin types may be used in pultrusion including polyester, polyurethane, vinylester and epoxy.
But the technology isn't limited to thermosetting resins. More recently, pultrusion has also been successfully used with thermoplastic matrices such as polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) either by powder impregnation of the glass fiber or by surrounding it with sheet material of the thermoplastic matrix which is then molten up.
Contents |
Process
1 - Continuous roll of reinforced fibers/woven fiber mat
2 - Tension roller
3 - Resin bath
4 - Resin soaked fiber
5 - Die and heat source
6 - Pull mechanism
7 - Finished hardened fiber reinforced polymer
History
The term is a portmanteau word, combining "pull" and "extrusion".
The first pultrusion patent in the United States was issued in 1951. W. Brandt Goldsworthy is widely regarded as the inventor of pultrusion. [1]
Equipment
The design of pultrusion machines varies. Two often used types are reciprocating (hand-over-hand) and continuous (cat-track).
References
External links
This entry is from Wikipedia, the leading user-contributed encyclopedia. It may not have been reviewed by professional editors (see full disclaimer)
