Step 1
![Following automated ply cutting, plies three through six of the hood outer panel are consolidated under vacuum on a male-form preform tool. Source: MacLean Quality Composites Following automated ply cutting, plies three through six of the hood outer panel are consolidated under vacuum on a male-form preform tool. Source: MacLean Quality Composites](images/cf2.jpg)
Following automated ply cutting, plies three through six of the hood outer panel are consolidated under vacuum on a male-form preform tool. Source: MacLean Quality Composites
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Step 2
![After application of mold release, the first two plies of prepreg are layed into the mold by hand, followed by the remaining four-ply preform. Source: MacLean Quality Composites After application of mold release, the first two plies of prepreg are layed into the mold by hand, followed by the remaining four-ply preform. Source: MacLean Quality Composites](images/cf3.jpg)
After application of mold release, the first two plies of prepreg are layed into the mold by hand, followed by the remaining four-ply preform. Source: MacLean Quality Composites
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Step 3
![A formed silicone vacuum bag is used to evacuate the air. The reusable bag saves time and results in a smoother part surface than a disposable bagging. Source: MacLean Quality Composites A formed silicone vacuum bag is used to evacuate the air. The reusable bag saves time and results in a smoother part surface than a disposable bagging. Source: MacLean Quality Composites](images/cf4.jpg)
A formed silicone vacuum bag is used to evacuate the air. The reusable bag saves time and results in a smoother part surface than a disposable bagging. Source: MacLean Quality Composites
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Step 4
![The prepreg is cured in an autoclave at 100 psi and 150°C/302°F. The cycle time in the autoclave is approximately two hours, including heating, cure and cooling. Source: MacLean Quality Composites The prepreg is cured in an autoclave at 100 psi and 150°C/302°F. The cycle time in the autoclave is approximately two hours, including heating, cure and cooling. Source: MacLean Quality Composites](images/cf5.jpg)
The prepreg is cured in an autoclave at 100 psi and 150°C/302°F. The cycle time in the autoclave is approximately two hours, including heating, cure and cooling. Source: MacLean Quality Composites
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Step 5
![Following cure, the carbon fiber hood outer panels are demolded and the edges trimmed on a 5-axis CNC router. Source: MacLean Quality Composites Following cure, the carbon fiber hood outer panels are demolded and the edges trimmed on a 5-axis CNC router. Source: MacLean Quality Composites](images/cf6.jpg)
Following cure, the carbon fiber hood outer panels are demolded and the edges trimmed on a 5-axis CNC router. Source: MacLean Quality Composites
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Step 6
![The inner and outer panels are bonded together in a vacuum fixture using a room-temperature, two-part polyurethane structural adhesive. Source: MacLean Quality Composites The inner and outer panels are bonded together in a vacuum fixture using a room-temperature, two-part polyurethane structural adhesive. Source: MacLean Quality Composites](images/cf7.jpg)
The inner and outer panels are bonded together in a vacuum fixture using a room-temperature, two-part polyurethane structural adhesive. Source: MacLean Quality Composites
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Step 7
![The bonded hood assembly shows the compression molded inner panel, supplied by Meridian Automotive Systems. Low-density SMC (light gray) is co-molded with carbon fiber SMC (perimeter of inner panel). Source: MacLean Quality Composites The bonded hood assembly shows the compression molded inner panel, supplied by Meridian Automotive Systems. Low-density SMC (light gray) is co-molded with carbon fiber SMC (perimeter of inner panel). Source: MacLean Quality Composites](images/cf8.jpg)
The bonded hood assembly shows the compression molded inner panel, supplied by Meridian Automotive Systems. Low-density SMC (light gray) is co-molded with carbon fiber SMC (perimeter of inner panel). Source: MacLean Quality Composites
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Step 8
![The assembled hood is inspected for dimensions, and then for surface quality in a specially designed light room. If required, surface defects are repaired prior to application of primer. Source: MacLean Quality Composites The assembled hood is inspected for dimensions, and then for surface quality in a specially designed light room. If required, surface defects are repaired prior to application of primer. Source: MacLean Quality Composites](images/cf9.jpg)
The assembled hood is inspected for dimensions, and then for surface quality in a specially designed light room. If required, surface defects are repaired prior to application of primer. Source: MacLean Quality Composites
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