Fabrics

General Composites Discussions Composites Talk
#1

Hi,

First, I would like to thank everybody that posts on the forum. It is my first post, but I’ve spent a lot of time here, looking for (and finding) answers to many questions. I’ve developed a product using Resin Infusion, and found many tips on here.

I started to work (I should say “play”) with composites 3 1/2 years ago, first trying vacuum bagging, using a Foodsaver. I eventually made my way to infusion, and now infuse with some success. I still make mistakes, but it’s getting better each time.

I have specific question that remains unanswered.

The parts I make are basically 2"x3" flat panels , of about 12 layers of 6oz. plain weave fiberglass cloth, with epoxy resin.

I’ve seen similar panels with a layer of fabric (nylon, cotton, polyesther???, I don’t know) on both surfaces, to give the look that you want without having to paint. There’s obviously a thin (3/4 oz - 2oz.) layer of Fglass on top of everything.

My question is does anyone know what kind of fabric I should use to do so? I’ve made some tests, but the fabric looks too thick, and ruins the infusion. I want to find a fabric that won’t split from the laminate, of course.

Here’s a xxxxtty picture of what it could look like, or it could be some winni the pooh patterns!

](http://img408.imageshack.us/i/spettonbrownfiberglass2.jpg/)[/IMG]

#2

I know there are specific fabrics for use in laminations (check fiberglast.com), but I’ve used many cotton or cotton poly blend fabrics with great success. Heres a socket for a guys prosthesis. The eagle was his sweater, but he had it laminated into his leg.

This was actually the worst fabric I’ve used yet. It was all synthetic felt like fabric, and had to be clear coated several times to make it right. 100% natural cotton works great and usually the die doesn’t bleed. I’ve done many sockets with camo patterns on ripstop fabric, and the weeve shows though slightly, but a little sanding and clear takes care of it; its still my favorite fabric though.

#3

Airtech International ( composites supplier ) has some good infusion peel ply material. You will pay more for it but less because you won’t have to scrap parts.

Also how you set up ( vacuum infusion ) your vacuum and inlet lines will eliminate or create dry spots in the laminate.

Also when infusing it is absolutely critical to have zero air leaks… so either double line sticky tape the vacuum bag or use yellow sticky tape.

#4

adam f, thanks for the info. The Chromaveil from Fiberglast seems to be the stuff I’m looking for. They have a very limited variety of patterns though, what makes me wonder if there’s a similar product somewhere???

For regular cotton fabric, I tried one infusion with one type of coton, that was probably too thick. It didn’t work well.

Fastrr, I’m not sure if you replied to the good thread. If yes, thanks, but my concerns are not about how to perform infusion, but how to incorporate a patterned fabric in my laminate.

#5

I say check out a fabric store, see what thin fabrics they ahve with good patterns. I’m sure you can get away with cotton, poly, or nylon without issues. grab swatches of several, and put them all together in a single panel, and infuse. see what works!

#6

riff42, this is probably my best option. I was just taking a chance before doing some more tests (kinda tired to waste time and material…) to see if someone knew the answer. That goddam Chromaveil stuff is expensive, and the patterns don’t fit my needs.