I have chosen the Hand lay-up process for preparation of glass fiber reinforced epoxy matrix composites. Now i want to Justify, why have I chosen the same?
What are the parameters/points to be considered for the selection of Hand lay-up process?
Hand layup is used if you want to prepare a small number of samples e.g. for scientific purposes (varying layer structure, surface treatment, reinforcing fibber etc.) or if you make large products of complicated shape and the serial number is relatively low not warranting more complicated processing technology. Hand layup can be very precise provided that good people with long practice use it.
Hand lay-up is an open molding method suitable for making a wide variety of composites products from very small to very large. Production volume per mold is low; however, it is feasible to produce substantial production quantities using multiple molds. Hand lay-up is the simplest composites molding method, offering low cost tooling, simple processing, and a wide range of part sizes. Design changes are readily made. There is a minimum investment in equipment. With skilled operators, good production rates and consistent quality are obtainable.
Hand layup is the easiest method to prepare the composites in labs/industry.It takes more time in preparation of composites, preferred when length/size component is higher.Entrapping of air bubbles is the major problem in this.