Lay-up
Layers or plies of woven roving fabric that have been pre-impregnated with resin are stacked on top of each other in a mold or tool. The layers are then subjected to a consolidating force (e.g. vacuum bagging or mated mold) appropriate for the individual product and cured to completion. At ACI, we use squeegees, rollers and brushes to impregnate the various layers of cloth for the structure and then apply additional resin to the outside surface and work it into the cloth till there is a clean, even sheen showing on the outer surface without air bubbles, voids or other surface imperfections. This manufacturing process allows for a high degree of sophistication and proper placement of the fiber to attain maximum strength. Fiberglass, carbon and aramid cloths have all been used for layup of custom forms at ACI for uses ranging from ballistic applications to communications structures and defense armaments.
