This is the fifth in a series of technical tables, including the vacuum bag material data provided by the supplier.
Image source: Abaris training resources
In the vacuum infusion process (VIP), the impregnation and consolidation of composite laminates by atmospheric pressure is a mature process for the production of high-quality components and structures. Many composite material manufacturers use this process for the following reasons:
Therefore, vacuum infusion continues to show the prospects of end markets such as wind energy, aerospace, automobiles and ships.
However, VIP can also be said to be a complex process, and involves various processing materials and correct implementation steps, including the use of release films or peeling layers, venting layers, isolation layers and breathable layers, sealing and vacuum pumps. This kind of tape removes air from the laminate. What followed was a series of equally complex suppliers and distributors that provided customers with a variety of products.
This is the fifth in a series of technical tables released by CW, each of which aims to provide as comprehensive a list of suppliers, their products and selected product specifications as possible.
This vacuum bag supply table is constructed based on the data provided by the supplier and aims to provide a representative of the products they provide. To further simplify the table, CW only focuses on the basic categories of vacuum bagging materials used in conventional non-autoclave (OOA), wet and prepreg layup processes; no additional bagging and piping regulations are specified.
In addition, although CW cannot obtain data from all vacuum bag suppliers, well-known companies that are not listed-but should be distinguished in this field-include Aerontec, AeroWindTech, Fibretex Nonwovens A/S, Guarniflon SpA, Gurit USA, Hauflier Composites GmbH, Hawkeye International, Smooth-On Inc., Wacker Chemie AG and Warm Industrial Nonwovens.
Download a PDF of this form here or at short.compositesworld.com/VIPTechTable21final
Release film and release layer
Provide peeling layer material type
Non-porous (NP) or porous (P)
Available release film material types.
Perforated release film: hole diameter and spacing
Available material types
Breathable woven/non-woven fabric type
The amount of pressure that can be applied to it (psi)
Available roll size of breathable yarn/cloth (inch)
Material temperature range (F/C)
Film material range (F/C)
Nylon, polyester, polytetrafluoroethylene and silicon coated glass, aramid fabric. There are a variety of weights, widths and operating parameters to choose from
All industry standard pitches and diameters are available. There are 14 options of pitch and diameter for thermal perforation and thermal perforation
Non-woven nylon, polyester and various fabrics such as glass fiber
Wide range of industry standard weights and widths
Nylon, polyester and various fabrics such as glass fiber
Varies due to material type, temperature, thickness, weight and other factors
Provide various substrates, thicknesses and widths. Options meet all operating environments. Examples: Polyester, PTFE, nylon, polyimide, and fluoropolymers containing silicone, rubber, and acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesives
Butyl rubber and silicone type
Structural options include nylon, fluoropolymer, polyimide, and multilayer copolymer films. The bagging format does not include sheet, tube, pre-cut and folded configurations. Provide customized kits and pre-cut formats
Aerospace, marine, wind energy, glass lamination, automotive, sports and leisure
Cured and uncured silicone, fluorine rubber sheet and customizable spray silicone bag structure
All standard imperial and metric measuring vacuum connectors and ports
Nylon, polyester, glass fiber, with PTFE or silicone coating and aramid
A range of weights and thicknesses
Depending on the density and curing temperature, polyester and nylon breathable membranes can withstand 100-200 psi. Fiberglass respirators can be used for higher temperatures and pressures.
Polyester Flashbreaker tape with silicone, rubber and acrylic PSA. Other substrate types available: PTFE, fluoropolymer, nylon and polyimide
Butyl rubber and silicone type
Suitable for all applications of RT spectrum up to 800/427
Wet lamination and infusion of prepreg. RT, oven and autoclave curing and vacuum press applications. Applications range from test panels to large (ie aircraft wings, fuselages, ships and wind blades)
16 port types, multiple sizes
T-077 80 gsm nylon fabric with red tracer
FLD 120 25my PP HD low temperature; FLD 170 30my medium/high temperature; FLD HT-500 13my/25my FEP high temperature
P3 10 mm center, size 0.5 mm/- 0.2 mm; P31 5 mm center, size 0.5/- 0.2 mm
POLY-FLEX TF12 120 gsm 1.3 mm; POLY-FLEX TF15 150 gsm 1.6 mm; POLY-FLEX TF20 gsm, 2.0 mm; and POLY-FLEX TF30 300 gsm 2.7 mm
AN-3 gray, maximum temperature 284/140; AN-3 yellow, maximum temperature 410/210
FLM 120 75my low temperature vacuum bag film; FLM 170 50my high temperature vacuum bag film; TBL 170 50my high temperature vacuum tube; TBL 170 75my high temperature vacuum tube; TBL 200 50my high temperature vacuum tube; TBLAD 170 70my high temperature self-release vacuum tube
FLM120 is used for infusion and manual lamination; FLM/TBL 170 is used for oven and autoclave process; TBL 200 is used for oven and autoclave; TBLAD 170 is used for oven and autoclave
ATL provides a series of Airtec International brand products for vacuum bagging and vacuum infusion processes, including release films and release layers, vents/respirators, flashing and sealing tapes, as well as bagging films and other special products. For specific product details, please refer to our company's website.
Polyester, polyamide and adhesive release layer; release layer for structural bonding (approved by Airbus and Boeing)
284-752°F/120-400°C; perforated or not
500µ or 800µ diameter; 5-10 mm pitch
Woven glass and non-woven polyester fabric
Polyester/acrylic; polyester/silicon; PTFE/silicon; polyimide/silicon
Low temperature sealing tape (infusion process); high temperature (vacuum forming and in/out of autoclave); very high temperature (thermoplastic)
Multi-layer bag film; polyamide film; high stretch film
Marine industry (width up to 32 m); aviation; wind energy; sports and leisure
Marine industry (width up to 32 m); aviation; wind energy; sports and leisure
50 mm (1.97 inches) and 65 mm (2.56 inches)
Ecostitch, nylon release agent, polyester, PTFE coated glass fiber
0.125 inches, 4 ounces (~113 grams), and 7 ounces (~198 grams)
4 ounces up to 40 psi; 7 ounces up to 85 psi
Suitable for films with low consistency and high consistency applications. Stretchlon 200 film has a 60-inch wide flat plate and a 120-inch wide flat plate. Nylon bag film is suitable for temperature <300°F and can be used in various styles; nylon bag film, >300°F can provide a 60-inch wide flat plate, which can be heat-sealed to meet shape requirements or make larger sheets.
Use with 0.5" tube
High temperature resistant, tough fluoropolymer and Teflon
Staggered 0.25" center diameter is 0.381 mm; 2" center diameter is 1.143 mm; and 1.143 mm diameter, 3.5" center
Polyethylene perforated material and Teflon porous material
1" and 2" polyester backing
Dark gray and light gray
2 mil 60V folded and 30" tube; 5 mil thickness option
Nylon (available in 5, 10 and full rolls)
Aerospace, wind energy, ships, automobiles, etc.
Lavender CE offers a series of products for the vacuum bagging process, including release films and release layers, vents, breathable films, flashing and sealing tapes, as well as bagging films and vacuum ports. For specific product details, please refer to our company's website.
Peel layers A, B and F
PTFE coated glass fiber breathable mesh (various sizes available)
Can withstand a perfect negative pressure of 13 psi and withstand temperatures of nearly 500/260
High-strength silicone material, can withstand perfect negative pressure, can withstand temperatures up to 392/200
Provide vertical and horizontal vacuum ports; 1/4 NPT with/without air hose quick connection
At least one is required, depending on the application and/or bag size
According to reports, SWORL eliminates the need for most of the above items, such as sealing tapes, bagged films, breathable fabrics, release layers and release films, bleeders, breathers, and glitter tapes. SWORL is widely used in complex and/or high-volume applications such as marine, industrial, construction, and aerospace applications. SWORL is used in various process applications, including infusion, oven curing, autoclave curing, OoA and various resins such as prepreg, PE, VE PUR, phenolic resin and epoxy resin.
13 mm (0.512 inch) and 16 mm (0.629 inch)
The number of ports required for each bag depends on the part
0.25, 0.375 and 0.5" NPT external thread; 1/4 BSPT external thread; adapter for JIC, SAE and larger NPT connections
Dale Brosius, chief commercialization officer and CW columnist of the Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation Institute (IACMI), believes that the industry is shifting from infighting between proponents of thermoset and thermoplastic composites to a healthier competitive atmosphere, which helps The manufacture of integral composite materials is more competitive than traditional materials.
There are many ways to make composite parts. Therefore, choosing a method for a particular part will depend on the material, part design, and end use or application. This is a selection guide.
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