Vacuum Bag Materials

Vacuum bag consumables are used in autoclave, vacuum bag and resin infusion applications. PRF stocks a wide range of consumables for use in these applications including:

Peelply Fabrics

Our Peelply fabrics are widely used throughout the advanced composite and reinforced plastic industries. We supply into applications ranging from Formula 1 race car components to marine applications, as well as the large volume wind energy business. Due to the large quantities that we supply, we are able to be very competitive whilst offering an extremely high quality product.

P1717 Nylon peel ply 85g/m² up to 1630mm wide

Breather/ Bleeder Fabrics

These high bulk felts are manufactured from synthetic fibres and have two main functions:

1. As a breather fabric.

They are used as a flow path to enable air to be evacuated throughout the entire vacuum bag and prevent pockets forming, thereby enabling an even vacuum to be pulled over the entire surface area of the component.

2. As a bleeder fabric.

When used on top of the laminate separated only by a peelply or release film they will absorb excess resin in the laminate.

The essential requirements of a good breather/ bleeder fabric are temperature resistance, adequate to withstand the required curing temperatures; good drapeability enabling it to conform closely to the contours of the mould and good permeability to solvent vapours. We have two main breather fabric products:

BX005, 340gsm, thickness 5mm (uncompressed) BX006, 150gsm, thickness 3mm (uncompressed)

Vacuum Bags

These are used to cover the laminate stack. When sealed onto the tool with sealant tape, a vacuum is then pulled creating a uniform compression rate across the structure.

Curing temperatures define the type of bag used, and we can offer a range of products including heavy duty re-usable bags and tubular systems all in high and low temperature versions.

Release Films

Release films are typically used between the laminate stack and the breather fabric and/or between a peelply and breather fabric or resin distribution medium, to enable easy release of the saturated breather from the component laminate. Important features in the release film are high strength and toughness and resistance to the intended cure temperatures. They must also be chemically resistant to the matrix system used.

A range of products is available, including: BF 004 – cold cure BF 007 – up to 100°C

Sealant Tape

Sealant tapes are used to hold and seal the bagging medium to the tool. Curing temperatures decide which tape is required.

A variety of sealant tapes can be supplied, for low or high temperature curing.

Resin Distribution Medium

Our resin distribution medium ensures the free and even flow of resin across and through the resin stack.

The resin distribution medium is a knitted thermoplastic membrane supplied in 100cm wide lengths.

Reusable Resin Galleries

The resin gallery is a silicone rubber extrusion designed to ensure an even and regular flow of resin around the tool.

The key hold shaped section gives a solid and secure seal, while minimising the contact with the R.D.M. This in turn enables the resin gallery to be easily removed for re-use.

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