2. Continuous filament mat preforming

The preform can be defined as the skeleton of the reinforcement to the precise dimensions of the part to be molded.

• Continuous filament mat preforming offers the following advantages:

  • no emanation or loss of binder, and therefore no pollution;

  • high productivity with cycle times down to 40 seconds;

  • excellent reproducibility thanks to precise mechanical adjustments of the blank holder during stamping.

  In addition, the preforming cycle time for continuous filament mats is independent of preform weight and complexity. In fact, the preforming time for continuous-filament mats is not linked to any glass mass flow rate, as is the case when preforms are produced using cut-wire spraying.

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