• Design & Manufacturing
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.25-30
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• 2019

This paper presents the design strategy for the optimal RTM molds of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) by carbon fiber draping and resin flow simulation. First, the mold shape and molding condition were determined considering the undercut and die face of the product in the draping simulation, which made the preliminary shape of the product by compressing the carbon fiber. After that, the diffusion behavior during the injection of resin in the mold was predicted by the resin flow simulation. Finally, the optimal mold shape was designed by selecting the locations of resin injection port and vent based on total results of simulations. In this paper, the mold of automotive side mirror case was selected as the representative product. Also, the actual mold was manufactured based on the simulation design to confirm the practicality of it. This study is expected to contribute to the industry as a technology to improve the reliability and productivity of CFRP producted by RTM process.