|
 |
|
|
|
|
| |
|

Vacuum Resin Infusion is a process that uses vacuum pressure to pull resin into a laminate. Materials are laid dry into the mold and the vacuum is applied before resin is introduced. The process allows structures to be manufactured incorporating cores and inserts, eliminating the need for secondary bonding, and the increased compaction produces a laminate with low resin content. Once a complete vacuum is achieved, resin is pulled through the laminate via carefully placed tubing, impregnating both across and down the reinforcement and core layers.
ATL’s KINETIX® R118 Infusion System enables the production of high strength, void-free laminates that have excellent moisture resistance. Low viscosity enhances fibre wetting and optimum mechanical properties are achieved with post cure. A select range of AIRTECH vacuum and infusion consumables are available from ATL to optimize the infusion process, and we can provide engineering and process support, to enable our customers to produce durable, high quality products.
KINETIX® R118 Infusion System has received a Lloyd’s Register Certificate of Approval for the Rules and Regulations for Classification of Special Service Craft.

|
|
| >> PLACEMENT AIDS |
|
| Tac-Strip is designed to hold dry fabrics in place when using resin infusion. |
| |
|
| |
AIRTAC 2 is designed for temporary bonds and can be used on materials needing extra tack for placement on vertical or difficult surface areas. |
| |
|
| |
Airhold 10 CBS is designed to hold down plastic spiral wrap used as a vacuum manifold in the resin infusion process. |
|
|
|
|
| >> VACUUM RESERVOIR |
|
|
Vacuum Reservoirs are designed to collect excess resin during vacuum infusion processing.
|
|
|
|
|
| >> KINETIX R118 |
|

|
|
KINETIX R118 is a very low viscosity epoxy formulated for vacuum infusion applications that enhances fibre-wetting and enables the production of void-free laminates that have excellent moisture resistance.
Combined with hardener H120 it has excellent flow characteristics and cures at room temperature to produce a laminate with excellent mechanical properties. In comparison, hardener H103 provides a longer pot-life and requires elevated temperatures to produce optimum mechanical properties, including a heat distortion temperature of 93°C.
Both systems produce laminates with high resistance to micro-cracking and good clarity and can be used for the fabrication of parts requiring high strength and lightweight such as high performance yachts, masts, kayaks and sporting equipment.
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
| >> BAGGING FILMS |
|

|
Vacuum bagging film forms the airtight envelope around the composite laminate, the other vacuum consumables, and the tooling surface. A vacuum is then pulled to apply atmospheric pressure to the component.
Econolon is an economical nylon film with good strength, elongation and drapeability, and works with all resin systems (excluding phenolic). This film is ideal for room temperature applications, but will also take higher temperatures up 149°C max.
|
|
|
|
WrightlonR 5400 is a very durable nylon film with good strength and elongation. This film should be used for large parts where a more robust material is needed. It is also suitable for vacuum infusion applications where bag film thickness and toughness is required.
|
|
|
|
Custom vacuum bags can be produced to any size, shape and configuration, based on electronic design files, to reduce the labour costs of bagging on large projects with tight build schedules. Contact ATL for specific information on this service.
|
|
| |
|
|
| >> BREATHER/BLEEDER |
|
|
A breather (or bleeder) cloth allows air from all parts of the envelope to be drawn to a port or manifold by providing a slight air space between the bag and the laminate.
Econoweave 44 is a re-cycled, non-woven polyester breather designed for ambient or oven cures, in low stress applications. This breather is lightweight and very drapeable.
|
|
|
|
|
| >> PERFORATED RELEASE FILM |
|
|
A perforated plastic film helps to hold the resin in the laminate when high vacuum pressure is used with slow curing resin systems or thin laminates.
DahlarR 125 is an economical film set with P3 perforations for use with wet-resin laminating in both vacuum bagging and release film applications. DahlarR 125 can be used for cures up to 125°C and will release from most resins associated with marine and recreational products.
|
|
|
|
| |
|
| |
| >> RELEASE FABRIC |
|
|
Release fabric (peel ply) is a smooth woven fabric that will not bond to epoxy. It is used to separate the breather and the laminate. Excess epoxy can wick through the release fabric and can be peeled off the laminate after the laminate has cured, exposing a smooth textured surface.
Econo-stitch is a heat-set and scoured nylon peel ply to aid or replace sanding or abrading your composite laminate. The red tracers are highly visible, even after cure, reducing the possibility of peel ply being left on the part. Econo-stitch is ideally suited for the marine, transportation, and recreation industries.
|
|
|
|
| |
|
| |
| >> SEALANT TAPE |
|

|
Sealant tape provides a continuous airtight seal between the bag and the tool.
AT-200Y sealant tape delivers consistent and reliable performance for composite manufacturing with epoxy, vinylester or polyester resin systems. Tape width and thickness is optimised for hold-strength and ease of application. It has high tack and will release and clean up easily from metal and composite tool surfaces.
|
|
|
|
| |
|
| |
| >> EQUIPMENT |
|
|
The plumbing system provides an airtight passage from the vacuum envelope to the vacuum pump, allowing the pump to remove air from, and reduce air pressure in the envelope.
The V740B Vacuum Bag Breach Kit consists of a cast aluminium vacuum valve, a quick release coupling and male hose barb, making vacuum bag connections positive and fast.
The V740T Transducer Kit converts shop air lines to vacuum without the use of a vacuum pump. The transducer capacity is approximately 3m3/hour. The V740T Kit consists of the Airvac 22 transducer with an integral muffler, a male air line attachment and a male hose barb.
|
|
|
|
| |
|
| |
| >> VACUUM PUMPS |
|
|
Vacuum pumps draw the air from the closed system, and provide firm, evenly-distributed pressure over the entire surface of the part. The size and shape of the mold, and type and quantity of the material being laminated will determine the minimum pump requirements. Contact ATL Composites for your specific application.
The V780 Dry Vane (oil free) vacuum pump delivers high volume air flow and efficient vacuum pressures for wet laminate bagging, core-bedding and veneer bonding applications. Requiring minimal set-up the V780 can be run continuously with clean, dry air.
The V790 Oil Lubricated vacuum pump achieves higher vacuum levels necessary for efficient vacuum infusion processing.
|
|
|
|
| |
|
| |
| >> SPIRAL WRAP |
|
|
INFUSIONTECH® Spiral Wrap is a semi-clear spiral used to introduce resin, or to evacuate air.
|
|
|
|
|
| >> FLOW LINES |
|
|
| |
|
OMEGA OF313 & OF500 Flow Lines are for use under the bag to transfer resin along the part in infusion applications, and incorporate an “Omega Section” internally to transport resin along the surface and into the part.
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| OMEGA OF625V Flow Lines are made from translucent vinyl rubber, and are low cost and re-useable. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| >> TUBING |
|
|
INFUSIONTECH® tubing is used for infusion processing to introduce resin, or to evacuate air.
|
|
|
|
|
| >> INFUSION MEDIUM |
|
|
RESINFLOW 60 is designed to assist resin flow through your part and will not fray when cut, or roll up at the ends. |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| Greenflow 75 is designed to efficiently distribute resin with little waste due to its low profile and tight construction. |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Infusing with epoxy offers many advantages over the styrene based options. Extended pot life and gel times, means there are less time constraints during the processing, and the toughness and strength of the laminate, will result in a more durable finished part with superior moisture resistance.
| Advantages of epoxy infusion over polyester and vinyl ester infusion systems include |
|
|
| |
| - Virtually no shrinkage |
| - Increased laminate thickness without exotherm |
| - Over 40% improvement in fatigue performance |
| - Higher impact resistance |
| - Higher elongation |
| - No CSM requirement in laminates |
| - Superior inter-laminar shear strength. |
|
|
|
|
 |
|