Interesting bladder molding techniques.
[ame=“http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mSpx-nPhE-Q”]YouTube - Carbon Fiber: Manufacture[/ame]
Very interesting.
Near the end (6.10) he talks about having the tube openings making it easy to remove “this internal bladder” yet he is holding up one of the polyurethane inserts.
Surely that part would remain inside as part of the moulding.
Yeah I wondered about that. Maybe a tech uses some pliers and pulls it out? Obviously not in one piece, but since it’s plastic I would think you could get it out in a few broken pieces. 
And those bladders, is that the bladder they use? It looks like a vac bag seamed to make a tube or some cheap looking disposable bladder. Does anyone have experience with these or know where to source/make them? I am only familiar with the thick solid color silicone bladders that everyone has probably seen.
I feel there is a lot more to discuss here on this very interesting subject . In the meantime take a look at this. lets talk about it more.
This is the thread from the start
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1056468
Regards
Steve
No, it is a flexible PUR (thermoset/thermoplastic) piece, that is comparable, if not actually, just a caul plate. As the bladder expands in the mold, the PUR also expands. To take it out, would involve careful folding, and pulling. Also depending on the costs, they might cut/rip it out and use it only once.
Rotor: the bladder is just a vacuum bag tube. Airtech makes them. Cheap, and effective.
… and gusset folded if needed, so expansion is more easy.
I just repaired a chainstay on one of those frames for Felt’s German office. I don’t remember a bladder being present. The frame is at the painters and will be ready at the end of the week. I’ll look, but I’m pretty sure there’s nothing inside it.
Cheers
DB
Hi,
got the frame back from the painters. There is nothing inside. No remnents, inserts etc.