LAMINATED MOULDED PARTS AND MANUFACTURE THEREOF

A laminated moulded part of fibre reinforced composite material comprises a central portion (24, fig 4) and a moulded edge (26, fig 4) around at least a part of a periphery of the central portion. A method of moulding is further provided comprising providing in a mould tool 4, 6 a preform comprising a central layer portion and a peripheral edge portion, the central layer portion including at least one fibrous layer 30 and a first resin 32, and the edge portion comprising a second resin 34 including a plurality of individual fibres 36 dispersed therein; closing the mould tool; and applying heat and pressure to cause the first and second resins to flow and to configure the moulding material in a fully moulded shape to form the laminated moulded part. Preferably, the central layer portion has long structural fibres (unidirectional fibre or fabric, woven or non-woven fabric) whereas the edge portion has short fibres (e.g. less than 50mm) which are optionally randomly distributed in the second resin. The first and second resins are preferably both thermosetting resins which are co-curable. The edge portion preferably comprises an elongate resin strip which may be substantially planar or rolled into an elongate rod. During compression, the peripheral edge portion is squeezed outwardly into a gap 90 at the interface 14 between the mould parts, the fibres in the peripheral edge portion flow towards the interface to at least partially block an opening 92 and restrict resin flow out of the cavity; thus reducing flash and increasing mould pressure.