Regarding vacuum impregnation molding technology, it is quicker and cheaper to ask engineers directly than to search for practical textbooks or literature.
Vacuum infusion molding technology is a technique developed and put into practical use in Europe and the United States to dramatically improve the molding method of FRP yachts and boats that were traditionally hand-laid. Various attempts were made during the technology development process, each given a name, but the VaRTM (Vacuum assisted Resin Transfer Molding) technology is one of the most representative. The characteristic of this molding method is that after layering dry reinforcing fiber cloth in a mold, it is covered with a transparent film and sealed around the edges for preparation. Then, the layered part is placed under vacuum, and liquid resin is supplied from one end to impregnate the reinforcing cloth, which is then cured. Compared to traditional hand-laying methods, this process significantly shortens the resin impregnation phase, which is crucial for the quality formation of FRP. It can theoretically impregnate all voids with resin and visualize the impregnation process, ensuring high quality.
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basic information
The principles of the molding method are simple, but there are many considerations when selecting applicable materials, using equipment, choosing molding materials, and constructing molding systems, as well as during the implementation of impregnation. Our company has been engaged in the development of molding methods for large FRP boats for many years and has experience staying on-site for nearly a year to participate in the development of VaRTM molding for small FRP aircraft in the United States. From many failures, observations of molding conditions, measurements of time-dependent changes in the amount of resin supplied, and the development of simulation programs for basic models, we aim to help avoid repeating the same mistakes. An explanatory article on this molding was published in the October 2018 issue of the journal "Materials" by the Japan Society for Materials Science, introducing the forefront of composite molding technology, titled "Development and Establishment of Vacuum Impregnation Molding Method for Large FRP Structures." It can be referenced through the related link. However, please note that the copyright of this document belongs to the Japan Society for Materials Science.
Price information
On-site supervision fee: 40,000 yen and up Additional fee for obtaining and analyzing molding data: +50,000 yen and up However, consumption tax, transportation costs, etc. will be required separately.
Price range
P2
Delivery Time
P2
※It varies depending on the meeting, data acquisition, and analysis.
Applications/Examples of results
Boats, wind turbine blades, panel products, etc.
Detailed information
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The photo shows the precise measurement of the change in resin supply over time during the VaRTM molding of a sloped FRP flat panel, evaluating the impregnation coefficient and impregnation speed of the composite material.
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This diagram is a computational model that predicts the infiltration speed and infiltration time based on the molding conditions of VaRTM, such as vacuum pressure, resin viscosity, and the materials used, as well as the characteristics of the molded product, including fiber content, for combinations of square laminate molding substrates and resin, and molding materials. Parameters such as the height from the resin container to the molding part, as well as the hose length and inner diameter, are also important figures. Additionally, it shows the setup for measuring and recording weight changes in seconds using a precise weighing device placed on the resin container.
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This table lists the symbols and definitions of the calculation parameters along with their values. As an example, it examines the permeability coefficient when using vinyl ester resin on a CF laminated substrate with L=1020mm and B=1270mm. The thickness measured after molding was T=2.74mm, the fiber volume fraction was 55%, and the impregnation porosity considering the resin diffusion medium was 67%.
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This graph compares the measurement records with the calculated prediction results, showing the resin consumption (g: left axis) and the resin consumption rate (g/s: right axis). When calculated with a permeability coefficient of 0.00115 mm², the measurement results match well. In this way, by adjusting the calculated permeability coefficient to align with the resin weight measurement results, it is possible to determine the permeability coefficient in detail.
Company information
Composite Plan Co., Ltd. provides knowledge, information, and technology that are consistently required for material selection, molding method adoption, material property prediction calculations, shape dimension design, material selection, design work, and molding work when manufacturing FRP structures. Additionally, we offer technical consultations on handling material anisotropy and material property predictions necessary for design, program provision, and training for engineers. Please feel free to contact us if you have any requests.
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