The ecological alternative
what is vacuum infusion?
Vacuum infusion is a simple resin injection process. This process is particularly suitable for large components with high demands on the surface and density of the laminate. For example, this process can be used to produce high-quality molds for fiber-reinforced components.
How does vacuum infusion work?
In the vacuum infusion process, dry reinforcing fibers are introduced into the mold and fixed in place. Then, various auxiliaries are applied to ensure the flow of the multi-component reactive resins. The loaded mold is then wrapped with film and vacuum is applied. The vacuum draws the resin into the reinforcing fibers. After the matrix has cured at room temperature, the part can be demolded and machined.
What are the advantages of vacuum infusion?
1. ecologically and economically the better alternative to autoclave and press processes
2. lower semi-finished product costs than with prepreg systems
3. very wide range of semi-finished products made of fibers and matrix materials
4. high laminate quality
5. pore-free surfaces
6. high fiber volume fraction
7. simple and inexpensive tools (master patterns) can be used
8. high reproducibility
9. exact fiber orientation
10. low investment costs
11. suitable for series production due to the use of silicone membranes
Examples of successful vacuum infusion applications
The vacuum infusion process can be used in various fields. Especially in shipbuilding, mold making, thick CFRP sheets, etc.
In mold making, heatable molds can be produced by combining different fibers, e.g. conductive carbon fibers and insulating glass fibers. This not only saves energy in the production of the mold, but later when the mold is used, only the surface of the mold is heated and not the entire mass.
