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Abstract(s)
A presente dissertação insere-se na continuidade de um trabalho previamente desenvolvido por um discente da mesma instituição de ensino superior, Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto, em colaboração com a empresa Leica – Aparelhos Óticos de Precisão, S.A. A evolução das miras telescópicas tem sido catalisada pela crescente procura por dispositivos que apresentem, não só uma elevada precisão, mas também características como peso reduzido e
elevada durabilidade. Esta investigação teve como principal objetivo o desenvolvimento de um processo de fabrico do corpo de uma mira telescópica em material compósito, nomeadamente de fibra de carbono com uma resina epoxídica, utilizando o processo de moldação com manga insuflável. A metodologia baseou-se na revisão de literatura e na análise crítica da solução anterior, com foco na otimização e identificação de oportunidades de melhoria ao nível dos materiais e equipamentos utilizados e também na elaboração dos protótipos. Procedeu-se à definição rigorosa de todas as etapas do processo de fabrico, desde a preparação dos materiais até à cura final das peças, com particular destaque na aplicação da moldação com manga insuflável, cuja viabilidade foi cuidadosamente avaliada. Constatou-se que, apesar de certas limitações, este processo revela-se adequado pela sua versatilidade, qualidade e compatibilidade com as
exigências geométricas e estéticas do produto. Foi ainda estudado e proposto alternativas mais eficazes em relação à manga insuflável previamente utilizada, como a manga de borracha vulcanizada e a de silicone não curada tendo-se verificado melhor controlo dimensional e maior repetibilidade. Os protótipos desenvolvidos evidenciaram melhorias significativas relativamente ao trabalho anterior, com especial destaque para a uniformidade estética, a integridade estrutural e a eficiência do processo. A substituição do tecido impregnado manualmente por pré-impregnados permitiu um fabrico mais limpo, rápido e com menor desperdício de materiais, reduzindo também o número de equipamentos necessários e simplificando o processo. Do ponto de vista funcional, verificou-se uma redução de
aproximadamente 13% na massa do conjunto corpo da mira telescópica, em relação à solução em compósito, comparativamente à versão anterior em alumínio, mantendo os componentes metálicos nos insertos. A análise crítica final confirmou que os protótipos se aproximam das especificações técnicas exigidas, embora persistam algumas limitações, sobretudo, em relação aos recursos técnicos disponíveis. Os resultados obtidos validam a metodologia adotada e comprovam que é possível obter o corpo de uma mira telescópica em compósito de fibra de carbono, contribuindo significativamente para o aprofundamento do conhecimento nesta área e para o desenvolvimento de novas abordagens aplicáveis ao fabrico de miras telescópicas em contextos industriais futuros.
This dissertation builds upon previous work developed by a student of the same higher education institution, the Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto, in collaboration with the company Leica – Aparelhos Óticos de Precisão, S.A. The evolution of rifle scopes has been driven by the growing demand for devices that not only ensure high accuracy but also exhibit characteristics such as reduced weight and high durability. The primary goal of this research was to develop a manufacturing process for the body of a rifle scope using composite material, specifically carbon fiber reinforced with an epoxy resin, through the inflatable bladder molding process. The methodology was based on a literature review and a critical analysis of the previous solution, focusing on optimizing and identifying opportunities for improvement in the materials, equipment, and prototype manufacturing stages. All manufacturing steps were rigorously defined, from material preparation to the final curing of the parts, with particular emphasis on the application of the inflatable bladder molding process, whose viability was carefully assessed. Despite certain limitations, this process proved suitable due to its versatility, quality, and compatibility with the geometric and aesthetic requirements of the product. More effective alternatives to the previously used bladder were studied and proposed, such as vulcanized rubber and uncured silicone bladders, which provided better dimensional control and higher repeatability. The developed prototypes showed significant improvements over the previous work, particularly in terms of aesthetic uniformity, structural integrity, and process efficiency. Replacing manually impregnated fabric with prepregs enabled a cleaner, faster manufacturing process with less material waste, while also reducing the required equipment and simplifying production. Functionally, a mass reduction of approximately 13% was achieved in the telescopic sight body assembly, in comparison with the previous aluminum version, while retaining the metallic components in the inserts. The final critical analysis confirmed that the prototypes meet the required technical specifications, although some limitations remain, mainly related to the available technical resources. The results validate the adopted methodology and demonstrate that manufacturing a telescopic sight body in carbon fiber composite is viable, contributing significantly to advancing knowledge in this field and fostering the development of new approaches applicable to the industrial production of telescopic sights in the future.
This dissertation builds upon previous work developed by a student of the same higher education institution, the Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto, in collaboration with the company Leica – Aparelhos Óticos de Precisão, S.A. The evolution of rifle scopes has been driven by the growing demand for devices that not only ensure high accuracy but also exhibit characteristics such as reduced weight and high durability. The primary goal of this research was to develop a manufacturing process for the body of a rifle scope using composite material, specifically carbon fiber reinforced with an epoxy resin, through the inflatable bladder molding process. The methodology was based on a literature review and a critical analysis of the previous solution, focusing on optimizing and identifying opportunities for improvement in the materials, equipment, and prototype manufacturing stages. All manufacturing steps were rigorously defined, from material preparation to the final curing of the parts, with particular emphasis on the application of the inflatable bladder molding process, whose viability was carefully assessed. Despite certain limitations, this process proved suitable due to its versatility, quality, and compatibility with the geometric and aesthetic requirements of the product. More effective alternatives to the previously used bladder were studied and proposed, such as vulcanized rubber and uncured silicone bladders, which provided better dimensional control and higher repeatability. The developed prototypes showed significant improvements over the previous work, particularly in terms of aesthetic uniformity, structural integrity, and process efficiency. Replacing manually impregnated fabric with prepregs enabled a cleaner, faster manufacturing process with less material waste, while also reducing the required equipment and simplifying production. Functionally, a mass reduction of approximately 13% was achieved in the telescopic sight body assembly, in comparison with the previous aluminum version, while retaining the metallic components in the inserts. The final critical analysis confirmed that the prototypes meet the required technical specifications, although some limitations remain, mainly related to the available technical resources. The results validate the adopted methodology and demonstrate that manufacturing a telescopic sight body in carbon fiber composite is viable, contributing significantly to advancing knowledge in this field and fostering the development of new approaches applicable to the industrial production of telescopic sights in the future.
Description
Keywords
Telescopic sight Bladder Molding Inflatable Bladder Prepreg Carbon/epoxy fiber Prototype Mira telescópica Moldação Manga insuflável Pré-impregnado Fibra de carbono/epóxido Protótipo
