VACUUM INFUSION
Vacuum infusion, also called resin infusion, utilizes a
vacuum bag to debulk or compact a parts complete laminate
ply schedule of reinforcements and or core materials laid
onto the mold. After debulking, the resin is allowed to
be infused by the vacuum to completely wetout the
reinforcements and eliminate all air voids in the
laminate structure. High quality composite parts made
from a wide range of fiber and resin combinations can be
utilized to infuse laminates up to six inches thick.
Typical resins used are polyester, vinyl ester, and epoxy
with many being UV cure initiated. This process can
routinely produce large 2,000 sq. ft. parts such as boat
hulls, bus bodies, and railcar panels. This processes
added benefits include eliminating weaker secondary bonds
and reduced VOC emissions vs. current open molding
processes. Pigmented gel coats provide the parts surface
finish and often a hand lay-up skin laminate may be
fabricated to allow fabricators to walk on gel coated
surface while loading the dry reinforcement laminate ply
schedule and vacuum bag.
CT Processes | Participants | Links
Web Author: Terry Price (tprice@cerritos.edu)
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Last update: 11/14/01 |
