New to infusion and need alittle help


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dcfoster
dcfoster
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So Ive been trying my hand at vacuum infusion for a couple attempts now. I had issues with vacuum but figured what I was doing wrong with the molding process. That being said I have a 3cfm dual stage pump and it will only pull -29.5 to -29.75 psi (thats only connected to the catch pot) as well I dont think thats an issue my other problem is that I cant seem to get the resin to pull through the part before it fully cures. I know the resin is a 'low viscosity' but it will get about halfway through the part and then the resin will just crawl through with me ending up wasting quite a few ounces of resin because it will harden in the container. This part is an interior a-pillar part for an Acura so its a small part but it takes at least an hour to pull the resin through. Am I using too much hardener or should I go with a slow cure time? My concern is that ive pulled what resin I could get into the part through and so its thinner than it should be. To add, what is the resin to Carbon fiber ratio in ounces for vacuum infusion? 

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Hanaldo
Hanaldo
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Can you post a photo of the infused part that failed? Might give an indicator as to whether there is any point trying to infuse with the mentioned corrections. 

The way you described the bagging process is pretty much it, except I prefer to wet out the fabric AFTER placing it in the mould. Less mess, and handling wetted fabric is a real nightmare. So basically, apply mould release, brush resin into mould, lay in first layer of fabric and stipple it with your brush to draw the resin that you applied to the mould surface through the fabric. This helps to reduce air bubbles. When you have drawn up as much of that resin as you can, apply more resin to the top. You want your first layer to be quite resin rich, so apply a bit more than it needs. Then repeat the process with the second and third layers, and finally the peel ply. Then bag, making sure there is no bridging anywhere as you pull the bag down. I recommend running the pump for 2 hours or so, just to give the resin a chance to go off. You can clamp it off and turn the pump off as soon as you have got full vacuum if you like, but then if you have a leak you will return to find a ruined part. Better to keep the vacuum running as long as you can. Leave it bagged for 24 hours ideally, but check your resin data sheet for demould time. 

You are also going to want to get everything ready BEFORE you mix your resin. So have your release agent applied for the correct amount of time (preferably do this the day before, but a couple of hours after your last coat will suffice) fabric cut, your brush ready, and all your vacuum bagging stuff cut and read to go as soon as you have laid up the part. With a 17 minute pot life, you really need to make sure you are well organised and don't waste any time doing stuff that you could have had ready before you started. 

For wet lay, you want a 50/50 ratio. So if you have 3 layers of carbon weighing 8oz, then you need 8oz of resin. Realistically, mix up 10-15% more to allow for wastage. 

The resin I use for infusion is 400cps, and that is on the thick side. The infusion specific resin I have here is 220cps. So 600cps is too thick and quite likely won't wet out the fibres properly. 
GO

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