Vacuum Resin Infusion Process: Fabricating a Composite Car Seat

http://www.smooth-on.com/Vacuum-Baggi... for more information about vacuum bagging.

The aftermarket auto parts industry has grown significantly over the past decade. Increased competition and short lead times have created a demand for faster production methods and techniques. Implementing Smooth-On's vacuum bagging silicone into a resin infusion production method has enabled manufacturers to shorten turn-around time by reducing labor required to tailor the bag and make a part. And because the silicone bag is reusable, the cost of consumables is minimized, if not eliminated.

Making Re-usable Vacuum Bags Offers Several Advantages;
* Reusable Bags Reduces Labor Costs Up To 90%
* Reusable Bags Can Be Used To Quickly Produce Many Parts
* Cured Silicone Rubber Resists Attack from Chemically Harsh Resins
* Heat Resistance up to 500°F / 260°C
* Non-hazardous; No Odor
* Reusable Bag Eliminates Traditional Bag Film Waste

"Smooth-On's vacuum bagging silicone has reduced our time to make a part by more than 50%."
Danny Dispenza - Owner
Nordan Composite Technology
Composite part specialist for Formula 1,
Grand Prix and Indy racing cars
Patchogue, NY USA

Prepare the Tool
2 coats of paste wax are applied to the tool. Allow to dry at room temperature. Wax is buffed to a glossy finish. 2 coats of PVA are applied to the tool. Allow to dry at room temperature.

EpoxAcoat Red: Surface Coat Resin
EpoxAcoat Red is dispensed and mixed thoroughly. 2 coats of EpoxAcoat Red are applied. Allow EpoxAcoat Red to partically cure for 1 hour. Vacuum host is attached to the underside of the tool and secured. Vacuum system, including resin trap, is ready for the infusion process. Glass matting is laid onto tacky surface coat. Vacuum bag made using Smooth-On's EZ-Spray Silicone 20. Pre-engineed channel secures bag to tool, allowing for 100% positive vacuum. Custom made vacuum bag conforms to the tool surface.

EpoxAmite 100 Laminating Epoxy
EpoxAmite is dispensed and mixed thorougly. Vacuum is turned on to start the infusion process. Clamp is removed from resin feed line. Resin flows into bag under vacuum. Resin thoroughly and uniformly saturates glass under vacuum. Bag translucency allows for visual monitoring of the rate of resin infusion. When glass matting is fully saturated, feed line is clamped off. Resin is allowed to fully cure under vacuum at room temperature.

Demold
Vacuum bag is removed. Silicone vacuum bag is ready for another cycle. Finished part is removed from tool. Vacuum bag produces a part that is precise, void free and has a perfectly smooth finish.

Make It Now! with Smooth-On
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Adult Supervision Required
Keep Out Of Reach Of Children
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