What equipment to purchase

General Composites Discussions Equipment Talk
#1

OK so I am planning to make as much of my car into carbon fiber as possible and maybe keeping the molds to make parts for sale. I have watched allot of videos on vacuum bagging carbon fiber. What non disposable equipment will I need to start. I will be starting with interior parts along as long with bumpers hood trunk and fenders. I already have a 17.4 cfm air compressor but I see needing a vacuum pump if so what cfm or should I use a venturi vacuum generator off the compressor. A resin trap can I just make my own? I have some good design ideas for that plus I already own a spray gun but will gel coat cup gun be more efficient?

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#2

Any suggestions?

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#3

I’d recommend going with a Robinair vacuum pump (or Harbor Freight equivalent). When you get to large parts, the extra CFM will help pull the volume out, plus you’ll want perfect vacuum.

For a resin trap, I just used a PVC pipe with 2 end caps and 2 hose barbs. Put that in between the mold and the pump and you’re good to go.

#4

Cool thanks for the response I was looking at the robinair on amazon and my other thought was building a large over such as a powder coat oven and using that also but will start with the pump first. My first project is in design stage right now on paper going to make custom door panels or might start with making molds of my chevelle bumpers.

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#5

I went through this exact same series of steps. I asked, but didn’t get a whole lot of answers. If you look, I have a “Shop Equipment List” thread where I asked this, some of my findings are there, but it’s so in depth I’ve found that I could likely write a huge block of text, and point you to thousands of dollars worth of equipment.

#6

Start small, then move to larger parts as you refine your process and build confidence…

#7

I read your thread and found it very interesting and it opened my mind up more and let me think of stuff I had not thought about. Is there any literature that would help with this journey. I have a similar long term goal. I have found tons of info online but right now I’m a sponge searching for as much knowledge on design and manufacturing.

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