Why aerospace industries are learning to love the vacuum infusion process

The low weight and high strength of composites make them optimal for aerospace and aviation technology. Composites are commonly used in structural components of aircraft, as well as in the mechanical components.

When producing composites to meet the demands of the aerospace and aviation industries, manufacturers must turn to the best methods. This is why many aerospace industries are beginning to use the vacuum infusion process for their composites.

What is the vacuum infusion process?

The vacuum infusion process is a method of molding resins and fibers with extreme precision. As the name suggests, the power behind the process is vacuum suction.

Here’s an abbreviated view of how vacuum infusion works:

1. Your selection of resin and fiber material are fitted to a mold of the component you need to produce.
2. Technicians fit a vacuum bag over the resin and mold.
3. A resin line is fitted to the vacuum bag.
4. The technicians power the vacuum, which effectively soaks the resin into the fiber laminate and captures excess resin in a resin trap.
5. Once the fiber laminate is completely saturated, the resin line is clamped off.
6. The vacuum continues to run to maintain pressure until the resin has settled in the fiber.
7. The vacuum bag is removed, and the resin is allowed to cure.
8. The resin is removed from the mold.

What are the benefits of vacuum infusion?

Vacuum infusion is a bit more of a complicated process. However, it offers many advantages that are making it a worthwhile venture for aerospace industries:

• Great fiber-to-resin ratio — The process of vacuum infusion improves how effectively resin can saturate the fibers. Unlike other forms of resin infusion that start with an excess application of resin, which is then removed, vacuum infusion starts with no resin. Instead, vacuum infusion introduces resin into the fibers through the vacuum process, allowing just the right amount to settle, while any excess is collected in a resin trap in the vacuum.

• Less wasted resin — Since excess resin can be collected in the resin trap, you waste less resin in the composites manufacturing process. This helps lower your material expenses.

• Cleaner process — The process does not involve the use of brushes or rollers to apply the resin. This results in a cleaner workplace. Also, since the resin is introduced and settled in a vacuum environment, there are fewer resin fumes in the environment.  

• Consistent product — Vacuum infusion produces a consistent product, which is important in aerospace industries where precision is paramount in composite components.

Composites One is the top composites distributor in North America

Aerospace industries use composites for many applications, including fuselages, wings and cargo doors. If you’re looking for composites for your aerospace industry, you need to find a reliable source of excellent composite materials.

At Composites One, we have thousands of composite materials in stock from the leading composites manufacturers. We can get your composite materials to you quickly from one of our 41 distribution centers located across North America.

Contact us today to learn more about the products and services we offer for aerospace industries.