I'll be infusing a pretty substantial sumpguard at the end of the week and interested in any advice on how critical post curing times and temps are for best mechanical strength on a flat panel.

The tech data sheet for IN-2 resin states 24hrs room temp, 60hrs@40, 6hrs@50, 12hrs@60 but for large parts decrease the thermal gradient and increase the post-cure time - I was planning to double the timings IE 2 days room temp 12/12/24hrs for higher temps - does this sound about right?

The stack is 1000 x 900mm  and almost flat, across the whole part will be 2 layers of 300gsm kevlar, 1 layer of CF 200gsm, 1 layer of 3mm soric, 1 layer of CF 450gsm, 1 layer of CF200gsm, additionally in areas which need additional strength or tend to abrade there will be extra soric / CF / kevlar so the stack could be as much as 10 layers thick in a few places.

Any pointers appreciated!
Thanks
Stuart

To be honest having made similar parts like this in both function and thickness in the past I would go for 24 hours at room temp then straight to 60C for 12 hours as long as you can ramp the temperature up slowly and back down again. Approx 1 to 2 degrees per minute 

Far UK

Thanks - I ramped temps pretty gradually and it seems to have come out great.
3.8Kg for the composite parts of the sumpguard and another 900g for ally reinforcers front and back - 5.7Kg vs 11Kg for the previous all ally version!
Will be interesting to see how it stands up to use - abrasion and hard impacts are the two issues although I have added extra layers where it should need it.

Stuart

Stuart that is a serious sump guard, can you name the vehicle it is for ?

Regards Chris