Reusable vacuum bag

General Composites Discussions Composites Talk
#1

Another question for the gurus:

I’m looking for a reusable vacuum bags that will withstand higher temperatures (hopefully just 110 degrees C) and possibly hold the vacuum for 15min to 90min without having the vacuum attached. The bags should be about 3ft by 2ft.

I know that I can get the material to do this but I’m really trying to significantly reduce labor. Making the bags and checking the seals often is would take too much time. Also, having a vacuum line through the oven is possible but again, that would cost more money and time… not to mention more pumps if I’m curing more than 1 piece at a time.

#2

Latex bags (kind of pricey… ~$90 per bag for my use)
http://www.latextechnology.com/vacuum.htm

I think these are the same… but I don’t know the price.
http://www.nfgsales.com/data%20sheets/Bagfilm/boabag.htm

They say they are reusable until the commulative time@ temp exceeds the limits of the bag… don’t know how long that is but there’s another spec that says 350degrees F for 2 hours… so for some prepreg, one use would be it! I suspect that’s not the case though.

#3

The latex bags may be the only option. One downside to the bags though is that you can’t see through them. I’m a bit worried that I’d vacuum the part, fry it, and when it’s revealed realize that part of the fabric had been folded by accident. That would really really blow. So I’m looking around for similar bags that are clear.

#4

Sorry I don’t have time to answer your question in detail but have you looked into silicon?

#5

Try Bondline in Santa Fe Springs in So. Calif. area as the make an alum framed silicone vacuum bagging system. Tell them “JM” from GGROP sent you as they might be donating one for the classroom soon.

I’ll get the phone # and address later…

#6

Thanks.

http://www.bondlineproducts.com/homepage.html

15517 S. Seaforth,
Norwalk, CA 90650
562-921-1972
Fax: 562-921-1869

I had looked at their webpage before but wasn’t too sure if those tables would work with my part. I’ll give them a call to see if it’s possible.

#7

For infusion, I do know of a company that have a clear silicon bagging system that will allow you to see the through the laminate. They’re in Canada and I’ll have to get that info later on.

#8

Thank you for the link as I called in sick yesterday and while at the classroom to leave the keys and work, I forgot to get it.

Bondline can make a custom silicone skin that fits to your finished lay up in your mold and I’ll bet you, they now have the clear silicone available too.

JM :oops: