ABSTRACT
Composites technology is process intensive. For anyone in the field of composites, good knowledge of manufacturing processes is essential to know how the reinforcements and matrix materials are converted efficiently into a useful product. Impregnation or wetting is the step in which the fibers are wetted with the resin. Impregnation is done in different ways in different composites manufacturing methods. In all wet lay-up and wet winding processes, impregnation is done during the actual fabrication process. Lay-up is the step in which the reinforcements are placed as per the designed orientation. The structural performance of a composite part depends greatly on the ply sequence. Consolidation is the process of removing excess resin and entrapped air during composite processing. Solidification is the final step that gives the composite part a physical solid shape. It essentially involves the cure of the resin matrix, during which cross-linking takes place and the resin solidifies.
