Resin Transfer Molding (RTM)
Resin Transfer Molding (RTM) is a popular manufacturing technique in composite production, involving the infusion of resin into dry fiber reinforcements within a closed mold. This process offers precise control over resin distribution, resulting in high-quality, void-free composite parts. RTM allows for the creation of complex shapes and intricate designs while maintaining consistent mechanical properties.
![Plant tour: Aernnova Composites, Toledo and Illescas, Spain](https://d2n4wb9orp1vta.cloudfront.net/cms/brand/CW/2024-CW/0724-cw-tour-aernnova.jpg;maxWidth=600;quality=70)
Latest RTM Articles
VIEW ALLHybrid composite workcell supports thermosets, thermoplastics
CAMX 2024: Radius Engineering showcases its Hybrid Composite Workcell with the versatility to support a range of closed-mold processes monitored by its Insights control system.
Read MoreMolding technologies, integrated automation deliver streamlined production
CAMX 2024: Macrodyne engineers composites and rubber hydraulic presses for domestic and international customers, capable of handling large-scale production demands to more intricate projects.
Read MoreDesigning an infused, two-piece composite baseball bat
With its Icon BBCOR bat, Rawlings leveraged its experience in braided fabrics and RTM to create an optimized, higher-performance two-piece design.
WatchFrom the CW Archives: The life and death of the BMW i3
A look back at the ambitious and impressive composites production system BMW developed for production of the all-electric i3 EV.
Read MoreIMDEA introduces digital twin for real-time analysis of composite materials production
Newly designed digital twin by IMDEA and Technical University of Madrid researchers enables manufacturers to see inside composite materials as they are being produced, facilitating early detection of faults.
Read MoreBallistic protection panels manufacturer relies on automation for high throughput, efficiency
Maine-based CW Top Shops honoree Compotech Inc. recently doubled its manufacturing space and team to produce modular composite panels for defense applications via light resin transfer molding (LRTM).
Read MoreKnowledge Centers
![CW Tech Days](https://d2n4wb9orp1vta.cloudfront.net/cms/brand/CW/build/cw-tech-days-thermoplastics/3x2/CW23_TechDays_Thermoplastics.1681236404009.1681236412131.jpg)
During CW Tech Days: Thermoplastics for Large Structures, experts explored the materials and processing technologies that are enabling the transition to large-part manufacturing.
LEARN MORE![Sustainability](https://d2n4wb9orp1vta.cloudfront.net/cms/brand/CW/build/sustainability/1023-cw-kc-sustainability-opener.1697649967996.jpg)
The composites industry is increasingly recognizing the imperative of sustainability in its operations. As demand for lightweight and durable materials rises across various sectors, such as automotive, aerospace, and construction, there is a growing awareness of the environmental impact associated with traditional composite manufacturing processes.
LEARN MORELatest RTM News And Updates
Bally Ribbons 3DMAT quartz composite is adopted for future NASA space missions
Named the NASA Government Invention of the Year, the 3D orthogonally woven materials supports structural and thermal performance needs for Orion mission and more.
Read MoreLive demonstrations present closed molding advancements
CAMX 2023: The Composites One and Closed Mold Alliance demo zone returns with short but engaging exhibitions featuring vacuum infusion, reusable bag molding, light RTM and other technologies through the show.
Read MoreReusable vacuum bagging, vacuum sealing solution
CAMX 2023: SWORL is highlighting its spray-fabricated reusable vacuum bags (membranes, foils) and a new sealing product for more sustainable, out-of-autoclave composites processing.
Read MoreFST-rated thermoset resin with rapid, tunable cure is designed for infusion
CAMX 2023: The nonhalogenated Harp Rapid resin system presented by Trimer Technologies achieves a low-temperature, tunable cure while attaining high mechanical properties, demonstrating its effectiveness in aerospace applications.
Read MoreHexcel launches novel RTM resin, rapid-cure prepreg for aerospace
HexPly M51 prepreg and HiFlow HF610F-2 resin add to Hexcel’s delivery of faster cure cycles and thus higher production build rates.
Read MoreAirbus selects Airborne to supply automated ply placement system
The pick-and-place system with software-driven automated will be the first in Airbus facilities, enabling highly efficient and flexible dry fiber preform manufacture for A350 structures.
WatchFeatured Posts
RTM, dry braided fabric enable faster, cost-effective manufacture for hydrokinetic turbine components
Switching from prepreg to RTM led to significant time and cost savings for the manufacture of fiberglass struts and complex carbon fiber composite foils that power ORPC’s RivGen systems.
WatchFrom the CW Archives: Fast-cure epoxies for automotive fabrication
Sara Black’s 2015 report on the development of snap-cure epoxies for automotive manufacturing still resonates today.
Read MoreModular, robotic cells enable high-rate RTM using any material format
Airborne’s automated ply placement systems at Airbus, GKN Aerospace and Teijin Automotive Technologies aim to maximize flexibility and intelligent automation.
Read MorePlant tour: Spirit AeroSystems, Belfast, Northern Ireland, U.K.
Purpose-built facility employs resin transfer infusion (RTI) and assembly technology to manufacture today’s composite A220 wings, and prepares for future new programs and production ramp-ups.
WatchPlant tour: Albany Engineered Composites, Rochester, N.H., U.S.
Efficient, high-quality, well-controlled composites manufacturing at volume is the mantra for this 3D weaving specialist.
Read MoreNovel dry tape for liquid molded composites
MTorres seeks to enable next-gen aircraft and open new markets for composites with low-cost, high-permeability tapes and versatile, high-speed production lines.
WatchFAQ: RTM
What is RTM?
Resin Transfer Molding (RTM) is a popular manufacturing technique in composite production, involving the infusion of resin into dry fiber reinforcements within a closed mold.
What does RTM stand for?
Resin Transfer Molding (RTM).
What is Light RTM?
Light Resin Transfer Molding, or Light RTM, is a process by which composite products are manufactured using a closed mold system. The closed mold consists of an “A” side mold (base mold) and a semi-rigid “B” side mold (counter mold) that is sealed to the “A” side mold using vacuum pressure. Resin is drawn into the resulting cavity under vacuum.
The resin infusion may be assisted by a resin injection pump, which will accelerate the infusion process. Once an “A” side mold is cured, the “B” side mold is removed and the part is demolded from the “A” side mold.
Source: Light RTM