A short video about neat vacuum systems for composite manufacturing including industries of marine, automotive, transport, aerospace, wind blade …
[ame=“http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bYbaZcGO6YE”]Vacuum systems for composites - YouTube[/ame]
We’d like to clarify the sequence shown in the animation for attaching the resin feed line to the vacuum bag.
If using a silicone rubber vacuum bag it is possible to connect the resin feed to the bag before evacuating the part as shown in the animation. This is because the silicone bag is rigid enough to support the resin feed tube without vacuum under the bag.
When working with a more flexible nylon bag film, it is best to evacuate the bag and perform a leak-back test before making the resin feed connection. When satisfied with the leak test result, the resin feed tube can be prepared for “stabbing” into the infusion port while the bag is under vacuum. Preparing the resin feed involves clamping or valving-off the resin feed tube and cutting the bag end of the tube into a shallow-angled point. When ready to make the connection, leave the bag under vacuum and stab the angle-cut end through the nylon bag film and down into the port. This will form a reasonable seal which can be reinforced with mastic. After completing the resin feed connection, it is a good idea to repeat the leak back test.
PS. Our purpose-designed vacuum systems have been used worldwide in over 55 countries.
For real world demonstration: http://www.compositescentral.com/showthread.php?t=7529
Vacmobiles simplify and improve vacuum bagging processes such as resin infusion. Here’s how …
For infusion type processes the critical factors in regard to vacuum are:
- Avoiding air leakage into the laminate
- Being able to easily verify that there is no air leakage into the mould or bag prior to infusion
- Achieving maximum air and vapour removal from the part prior to infusion
- Avoiding porosity caused by water and solvent vapours
- Maintaining a controlled level of vacuum until the resin has gained acceptable strength
- Achieving the foregoing in a productive and cost effective manner.
The first factor is a function of the choice of materials, moulding system and laminator skill. Through attending to details such the long term leak tightness of joints, ease of control and system size reduction and mobility (allowing Vacmobiles to be placed physically close to parts), using Vacmobiles optimises the remaining factors. The benefits delivered by Vacmobiles are:
- Better vacuum in the laminate (because the potential for vacuum leaks is much reduced and tube lengths are shorter)
- Faster and more reliable leak testing (drop testing)
- Simple control process right at the point of use
- Zero risk of work in another part of the plant causing a loss of vacuum (because Vacmobiles are intended to be applied to one part at a time and not shared across multiple parts)
- Less capital cost than a permanently piped system of equivalent performance
- Less energy usage than a permanently piped system of equivalent performance
- Much more flexibility of use. Very easily relocated at negligible cost if needs change.
About vacmobiles: http://www.vacmobiles.com