This paper presents the development of a reusable vacuum infusion bag. A specially formulated polymer enables the creation of low cost reusable vacuum bags. The polymer can be used for manufacture of bags by hand, spray-up or by using prefabricated sheets. The thermoset polymer cures at room temperature. Such is its flexibility that it is possible to produce a bag of virtually any shape. Inlets and outlets can be included in the bag together with distribution channels. Sealing is accomplished by the same techniques used for shell molds. When combined with a resin/hardener mixer and a grooved core there is no need for consumables such as distribution nets, peel-plies, release films and distribution hose. The end result is an inner male mold that combines many of the benefits of a semi-rigid mould with the increased laminate quality that a flexible bag allows due to higher attainable fiber to resin ratios.
展开▼