Flexible tool RTM

Abstract

To a large extent, the use of flexible tool RTM relates to the manufacture of larger components, where either the costs or clamping pressures required for rigid tool RTM are excessive. Equally, for smaller components required in small quantities the use of lower cost flexible tooling may be an advantage. The emphasis in this section will be primarily on the use of flexible tool RTM to manufacture large components. Basic RTM theory still holds for these components, but some additional considerations must also be taken into account. The point at which components become ‘large’ is not a simple matter of choosing some value of m² above which the technology changes as, if production volumes are high, rigid tooling may still be preferred for ‘large’ components. Having said this, very large components are seldom required in high volumes and flexible tooling will often be the only cost-effective solution.