A gap beside a reinforcement preform can provide a different flow route from the preform itself. When a trial shows resin advancing quickly along an edge, record the local fit and observed flow before explaining the result only by inlet position.
Show the boundary actually used
Include the preform outline and the surrounding tool boundary on the trial layout. Mark any observed edge gap and keep the photograph in the same orientation. A nominal cutting outline does not establish how the preform fitted in the closed or prepared tool.
Keep the flow observation located
Published RTM research describes edge race-tracking as a flow disturbance associated with the region beside the preform. The appropriate response depends on the actual material and process. This article supplies no universal gap allowance, inlet pressure or corrective setting.
Retain the changed trial configuration
If the preform fit or edge treatment changes, give the next trial its own reference. Compare positioned flow observations as well as the agreed finished-part inspection. A front that reaches an outlet does not, by itself, prove complete impregnation of every region. The purpose of documenting the edge is to make the process discussion specific enough to investigate and repeat.
For the project review: preform outline and actual tool boundary; observed edge fit or gap; located flow observations; revised trial and component inspection.
Further reading: TUM research: preform-edge flow and race-tracking.