Factors of real time monitoring technology for LCM process

A real time monitoring system for Liquid Composites Molding (LCM) process based on the direct current principle was established to improve quality stability of products and make the process cost-efficient. The experiments indicate that the monitoring system can precisely reflect the resin flow front arrival and curing course of resin on the inspecting spot. The main process factors' effects on the monitoring signal were studied. The experimental results show that different resin systems have distinct responses to the monitoring signal. The monitoring saturation value increases with the increase of temperature and the brass wires' bare length respectively. The fiber volume fraction and laying angle of fibers have neglectable effects on the monitoring signal.