Im infusing a carbon part around a core and Im having some issues with shrinkage causing warping.
Im currently using Dion 9102 vinylester which just isnt doing what I need. Dimensional accuracy is more important than structural strength . I also need to show the carbon weave so need a clear resin.
I hope someone can help.
How many layers, and what is your layup schedule. If you are infusing 3 layers at odd angles, then it can warp no matter the resin. If you are making it thin and unbalanced, you will have extra stress going in a certain direction, enough to warp the part.
You can also check the resin data sheet and compare it to other resins to see how much it does shrink…
Dion 9102 is already a quite old system. If you like less shrinkage, try Polynt VE370SC, which hardly shrinks. As a peroxide use Andonox CHM-50, Akzo Trx239, or the low exotherm Andonox MCP.
I talked to a very helpful man at Polynt but he says that it still shrinks 8%
Maybe I am going to have to look at Epoxy. Any more ideas?
Yes, it does shrink (like every polyester) but the nice thing about it is that it shrinks in a wet state. Linear shrinkage of the cured part is some 0,1%.
You can really make some nice looking parts out of it.
In my car I have a USB stick with some nice photos. Will post a few when I have the oppertunity.
I am still looking for a good resin solution for my parts. I didnt get anywhere with Polynt. I think they didnt want to deal with me unless I was ordering huge quantities. I really need to find a good low shrinkage solution thats easily available in the UK or Ireland.
Any ideas
why not use epoxy?
I am open to using any system but most Epoxies can cause the same issues. Is there a specific low shrink Infusion Epoxy?
kestrel, look into your lay up schedule. Runing just one layer of cf on each side of the core and you will definately have warpage.
I believe even epoxy shrinks some, not as much as poly or vinyl, but it still shrinks and you will still definately have a warped laminate.
go 0-90-core-90-0 ply orientation
or -45,+45,core,+45,-45 depends on how much stength you require from the panel.
In the past I laid up a couple small panels using epoxy and because the laminate stack was unbalanced it twisted and warped. it was crazy how much it warped.