Thinning down epoxy resin for infusion


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rallyfly
rallyfly
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Hello guys and girls

Has anyone had any practical experience thinning epoxy resin for infusion ?

I have been advised that if I use MEK at no more than 2% in the part A  it will be ok.

I understand that there may be a reduction in strength which wont be an issue for the parts I make.



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Chris Scott
Chris Scott
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A good way to improve viscosity of the resin during infusion is to apply some heat with a heat gun as it works its way through the part.

The thing to watch out for is that you don't apply too much heat (depending on what the temperature rating is for the vacuum bag and stack materials) and that you have enough pot life.

I know solvents are popular for thinning out mixtures, such as thick paints, but between coats you wait a few minutes to allow the solvents to evaporate.  The idea is to just thin out the resin/paint long enough for you to apply it where it needs to be (through a paint gun, or into a crevice) but that it is completely evaporated by the time the epoxy mix cures.  In the case of infusion, I don't think the solvent will be able to evaporate from the mix (most definitely not completely or properly at least).

I can't speak from experience in terms of adding MEK into epoxy for infusion, but just something to consider. 
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