Hi everyone, I was wondering if you guys could help me troubleshoot. I had some issues vacuum-bagging a 4' x 2' sandwich core panel. We used 18 oz. of epoxy resin/hardener for 27 oz of plain weave carbon fiber to follow a 40/60 ratio of resin to carbon fiber. We had a laminate sequence of 0/180/core/180/0. We had issues pulling a vacuum but we managed to achieve a vacuum level of 23 in Hg. During the layup, the carbon fiber seemed saturated with resin but I found today that the resin did not fully wet out the carbon fiber. We also had issues with striations on the surface and strands of breather sticking to the top of the layup. I believe our issues are a combination of not using enough resin (by not accounting for the resin uptake of the Nidacore) and not pulling a high enough vacuum. However, I would really appreciate any insight into this. I have attached some pictures of the panel for reference. Thanks!

We've always recommended 20% vacuum which is around 6-7inHg. 

Without testing, its hard to know the virtue of Airtechs method. But in theory it could help to get all the air out initially but it depends how long you leave it that way and how quickly the resin squeezes out.    In our experience, high levels of vacuum usually means a fairly dry laminate with lots of pinholes and surface defects.

Warren Penalver
Easy Composites / Carbon Mods - Technical Support Assistant