Talk Composites - The Forum for Advanced Composites

Polyester Infusion Resin?

http://www.talkcomposites.com/Topic4597.aspx

By Sharper - 2/3/2013 9:08:46 AM

I know the best stuff to use is epoxy infusion resin, but the price of polyester infusion resin is very tempting (almost half price).

Does anyone on here have much experience in using both types and offer any advice?

I have read tons of stuff about polyester resin giving off more fumes, shrinking when curing, and being better or worse at withstanding UV, but would like a real persons opinion, not just the science behind it all and people trying to up-sell their products.

Any advice or help would be greatly appreciated, as I am looking to by my resin infusion starter kit with pump next week. 
By matthieutje65 - 2/3/2013 5:47:05 PM

I've did some parts with polyester infusion resin and everything went well, in fact I didn't see any difference, 
The easy thing with polyester is that you can demould after 4hours if you want to...
Another advantage is the mixing ratio,... just add between 2-4% of MEKP hardener so you cant make mistakes with that.

a negative point is that it is less strong and can indeed get a bit more distortion due to heat. And the smell is realy strong, but you get used to it.
I did some parts full vacuum and did get any boiling polyester or something like that...

If your just doing parts for cosmetic reasons there is absolutely no problem!