a method for the manufacture of low cost &# 34 ; oriented &# 34 ; composite molding compounds using discontinuous fibers embedded in a resin matrix . the method involves the steps of aligning discontinuous fibers by use of a strong electric field while simultaneously inserting the fibers onto a polymer substrate comprised of an uncured resin matrix . a preferred embodiment includes the incorporation of a mesh or a glass capillary array located parallel and adjacent to the polymer substrate to further ensure fiber alignment . after the fibers are attached to the uncured resin matrix , the aligned fibers are forced to lie down parallel along the surface of the polymer substrate by mechanically forcing the fibers flat . the newly formed reinforced polymer films may then be stacked with the fibers of each ply oriented to achieve the desired mechanical properties , and then cured to produce an improved composite laminate which can be machined to form a high strength shaped member .