I have a fairly complex mold that I would like to infuse, but I have yet to even vacuum bag a part yet, which I may do in a different mold once I set up my vacuum system.
I have attached a few pics of the plug and mold to give an understanding of the shape.
What resin should I use for this?
Would stretchalon work well for this? If not, suggestions?
Any tubing recommendations?
I am unsure where to start with this, to state the obvious.
I couldn’t open the pics. Where are you located?
In the DFW area
Looks to be a fairly small part. Should be a good piece to learn infusion on. Next I would do a surface treatment then I would use a infusion epoxy. Clear coat mold, lay on carbon then peel ply, perforated plastic then infusion mesh. Lay infusion line and vac line dependent on flow characteristics. It also depends on if the edges of the mold are a flange or the part. If you have a flange you have a place to put your vac hose. I suggest MTI hose. Then there is degassing of the resin before infusion. Lots of little details to make a better part. I picked a lot up by reading the posts on this site. I’ve also been to infusion school. I’m always learning new tricks. Be patient.
Thanks Ro. If you look close you can seethe 25mm flange.
Any recommendations for what epoxy infusion resin I should order?
Easiest and cheapest solution is the get adtech 820 from soller composites, since you can buy it by the gallon. It’s fairly thick for an infusion resin, but that could actually be a good thing considering your part is so small.
a 25mm (1") flange is much too small for infusion, you should aim for at least 3", more ideally. You’ll have a very, very hard time laying up the consumables on a flange that small with such a complex shaped part, and then an even harder time sealing the bag without getting random fibers from both the carbon and the consumable stack (peel ply) stuck in the way of the bagging tape, which will create a slow leak. Not to say you should chuck the part, it’s definitely possible to work with, it just won’t be fun :).
I’m in the Dallas area (Las Colinas), if you need some help I may be able to give you some tips. .
I almost want to say don’t cut off all that excess fiberglass and see if you can saturate it with enough resin to create a non-porous surface to extend your flange
d’oh! I already trimmed it. But I could add more flange if I need
I already built a decent flange into the plug though, so was not too worried about that excess.
I will build out a larger flange then. 25mm was largestI could do with the 3D printer to which I had access.
I may see if we can get together sometime. Do you have a shop? I am a software dude so this is definitely just a hobby so I just have hobbyist skill.
I have never treated a mold surface. Quick Google revealed too many irrelevant links. I only ever use wax and PVA. I have looked for Frekote, but am not finding where to buy it or which products I need.
Getting frustrated right now. I figured the hardest part of this would be the 3D modeling. I have made a lot of one off parts, but nothing this complex.
I agree with Creg1031, call Soller composites and get some infusion resin (Adtech) material, Frecotenand other necessities. they are fair priced and great people to work with. They should have about everything you need.
With the frekote, don’t forget the sealer (fms). The mold release won’t work reliably without it. Works great with it.
Do you ever use Frekote for the release on the plug? Seem like it would make a nicer surface than wax & PVA. I always have to polish afterwards with that method.
If this is a one off part, there is no need to spend 20 bucks on a can of frekote if you already have some mold release wax laying around. of course, with infusion, even if it’s a one off part, it’ll probably take you a couple of tries to get a good part ;).
I do have a shop but unfortunately I can’t invite you into it. I can visit your garage sometime on the weekend if you’re in real need of help though.
I may take you up on that offer. I need to assemble all of my vacuum system components. I PM’d you my cell number and a question.