Talk Composites - The Forum for Advanced Composites

RTM "Like" Process - Need advice

http://www.talkcomposites.com/Topic27468.aspx

By vasospaz - 7/8/2018 9:56:02 PM

I am trying to perfect an RTM like process to create a foam core part. My piece is about 4 feet by 2 feet by 1 inch in size. I have a mold for the A side which has a ew compound curves and I am using plexiglass as the B side since the part is flat. My typical layup is a layer of 4 oz and a layer of 6 oz. I am really ting to dial in a process that eliminates the need for mesh and peel ply. I have tried a few runs using resin research infusion resin with medium length hardener 20 - 40 minutes). My problem is that it seems to take too long for the resin to infuse. 

Are there any tricks to encouraging a faster infusion rate? I'm getting a 65% infusion off the part.

I can get a slower hardener but what other options are there?
Does the layup schedule matter? Do extra layers help the infusion?
I was thinking about inserting a layer of 2 oz polypropylene between or beneath the glass layers. I don't what to use soric. Would this work like an infusion mesh?
Can I cut grooves in the foam surface without affecting the finished surface? would this help distribute the resin faster?
How do I optimize the location of my vacuum and infusion ports relative to my mold?

Any advice would be much appreciated.

By oekmont - 7/25/2018 2:57:48 AM

Maybe something like soric lrc or 3d pet core might solve your problem.