This is RTM Light or VARTM. I am totally not impressed by the video. OK, they do the process, but they failed to invest in the machinery to make it a clean, simple and economical process.
In order to convert (part of your) company to RTM Light, you need a couple of things:
-sale of the right products, as in, products that can be produced in RTM Light. Usually lower tech parts, in higher volumes (50+). You can include inserts into the parts when needed.
-a manufacturer or employee that can make the moulds for you. The moulds are not difficult to make, but it takes a couple of days, and the detailing is important. Usualy an older employee with more experience and the needed tranquility is super. Award him with his own corner in the workshop.
-an RTM machine. This machine will do the mixing of the resin for you, injecting it in the mould at a preset pressure, and a preset amount. After the infusion, the mixing head flushes with acetone. There are very simple, completely manually operated machines, but also very extensive ones, that have alarms on catalyst flow and level, acetone level, can vary the peroxide ratio during the infusion, same for pressure, have RFID tag readers, to automatically select the right program for the right tool, inline heaters, etc etc.
-a mould connector. This quick-connects to the mould, and after the infusion shuts off, and makes it possible to flush the resin line with acetone. MVP calles them “autosprue”
-infusion resins. Many are available, choose the one which you can work with. Buying larger (10.000 kg upwards) in a tanker saves money considerably. Source a stainless tank to store the resin, or have the tanker dispense it in IBCs. (when using a stainless tank, make sure every fitting is SS as well, or the resin will suddenly cure.)
-infusion peroxides. In general you can use faster curing peroxides, with faster final cure. Talk to your supplier.
-Vacuum source. You need 2 vacuum levels. Perimeter flange needs a high vacuum, products needs a lower vacuum. (some -0,6 bar) Depending on your situation install a fixed installation, with 2 vacuum lines or with regulators (2 lines is more fool proof, especially when you install different connectors for high and low). Or use a trolley with a vacuum pump, which can deliver 2 vacuum levels.
-compressed air is needed for the infusion machine, and for the dynamic seal of the mould. Amount of air needed is not so much.
Basicly that is it. 2 big players in this field are MVP (old Plastech) and Composite Integration. The latter being more advanced, and with great service.
More things:
Do not get tempted to use anything else than aceton to flush the system. Aqueous solutions are available, but cause more problems. That really is something you can experiment with later, when business is running.
Do not get tempted to use silicone top moulds. In theory they work, but they are very fragile. One mistake and the profit is gone. Stick with polyester, vinylester or epoxy top moulds for the time being. Let others do the experimentation.
Keep some critical spares for your machines in stock. And have someone available that can maintain the machine. It is not a complex machine, but someone needs to take it apart every now and then. (good opportunity on saturday mornings)
RTM light can really turn your company into a more industrial and much cleaner environment.
