Talk Composites - The Forum for Advanced Composites

Vacuum bagging issues

http://www.talkcomposites.com/Topic12593.aspx

By gabbett1 - 8/17/2014 10:34:16 PM

So I've been trying to make some parts using vacuum infusion.  I have bagged 6 parts now and have only infused 3 of them.  On two of the parts the bag failed and ruined the parts.  The other three are still in the mold under a vacuum bag that I cannot get the leaks out of.  I don't know why I'm having so many problems with this.  I even bought a sonic tester to listen for the smallest of leaks and can't find any, but yet every time I do a drop test I get a 1" drop in pressure for every 20-30 minutes.  I've gone over and over these parts.  I've even re-bagged them!!!  I'm almost at my wits end here!  I feel like I've actually become pretty good at the bagging process other than being unable to stop all of the leaks.  Can anyone give me any advice?

Oh, I also have completely coated all sides of the molds because I thought that my leak was possibly going through the part.  Yet that had no effect...
By 20_rc51_00 - 8/21/2014 5:22:46 AM

bag might be the culprit. 

I had nothing but problems in the past with the strechlon bags....

sometimes you just need to infuse and bite the bullet and find the pin hole during infusion and quickly place a little square of sealant tape over the hole. If you are luck it's on a flat portion of the part BigGrin

large flanges are helpful for ease of working with and also for not having areas of tensions at the tape interface, these areas can be a real battle to seal once leaking and resin spews out....