PREFORM HEATING DEVICE

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a heating device capable of efficiently preheating a preform for a composite material without generation of cracks due to thermal impact. SOLUTION: An upstream end of a heating furnace 1 is made to be a set zone Z1 for placing the preform P on a pallet 4. Following the set zone Z1, a preheating zone Z2, a temperature rising zone Z3, and a heat-retention zone Z4 are provided in sequence from an inlet side to an outlet side. The preheating zone Z2, the temperature rising zone Z3, and the heat-retention zone Z4 are isolated from the outside by a tunnel-like partition wall 5. Shutters 6, 7 are provided between the set zone Z1 and the preheating zone Z2, and between the temperature rising zone Z3 and the heat-retention zone Z4, respectively. The shutters 6, 7 are opened only while the pallet 4 with the preform P placed thereon is passing so that heat in the preheating zone Z2 and the temperature rising zone Z3 can not escape. COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT