Resin transfer moulding (RTM) offers a potential manufacturing source of high-volume, fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP) components for the automotive industry. Currently, market development is inhibited by long moulding cycle times which are dominated by the effects of mould quench. Preheating of the thermosetting resin prior to injection would reduce these effects, leading to shorter mould filling and curing times. This paper characterizes the thermal cycle in RTM and outlines the application of microwave technology for resin preheating. Batch preheating of preactivated resin systems is discussed and the development of an in-line microwave resin preheater is described for uncatalysed and catalysed resin systems under steady flow conditions. The integration of an in-line preheating system within a demonstration RTM facility is described and the effects of preheating on the thermal cycle are presented.
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