The Resin Infusion between Double Flexible Tooling (RIDFT) is a process by which fiber composite molds are made. By definition, the RIDFT decouples the infusion stage from the formed geometry, yielding a simpler 'flat' resin flow. Upon observation and operation of the rift it becomes obvious that there are setbacks involved with this process.
Because of the motions needed for operation of the RIDFT. It is labor intensive and time consuming. Specifically, the portion of the process where the two frames housing the silicon membranes are mounted and dismounted as well as replaced. Therefore, there is a need to improve this process in order to reduce and enable safe manpower utilization which includes a shorter processing time.
It was determined that an automated lift system is needed for the correction of such problems coupled with an suitable ergonomic handling system, which can be retrofitted to the current RIDFT machines for each frame, providing desirable position for optimal vacuum, disassembly and working space. In addition to this, a method in which to provide precise fiber placement must also be constructed.