What happens during the process
Dry reinforcement is placed on prepared equipment, a vacuum bag is formed and paths for supplying the binder and removing air are organized. After checking the tightness, the binder passes through the package according to the calculated scheme, then the system is cured under the conditions determined by the selected materials.
Filling speed and uniformity depend on bag permeability, geometry, thickness, line placement, system viscosity and temperature conditions. These parameters cannot be reliably determined from a single piece size or general fabric name.
The article is not a process specification. A specific scheme, consumables, mode and control criteria are developed for the project and confirmed by sample.
What input data is needed
| Data group | What to describe | Why is it important |
|---|---|---|
| Part | Geometry, area, thickness transitions, flanges | Defines flow path and package |
| Reinforcement | Material types, orientations and layer map | Affects permeability and filling |
| Binder | Confirmed system and its technology window | Defines preparation and process time |
| Equipment | Material, surface, sealed circuit | Related to surface quality and vacuum |
| Control | Sealing, flow observation, part criteria | Allows you to detect deviation |
Preparation before applying binder
Much of the process reliability is built before the feed line opens. The equipment, separation system, cutting, layer orientation, absence of contamination, position of consumables, line connections and bag tightness are checked.
A leak cannot be compensated for by waiting for the thread to fix the packet itself. Before starting, record the result of the vacuum test according to the accepted production method. A deviation action plan is also prepared so that the operator does not make a critical decision without predetermined boundaries.
For new geometry, testing on a simplified or local sample is useful. It helps to see the flow front, folds and hard-to-reach areas before using up the entire set of materials.
Control of filling and result
During the process, the movement of the binder, the vacuum and the condition of the lines are observed. After curing, geometry, surface, edges and other criteria related to the purpose of the part are checked. A visually flat surface does not confirm the condition of the internal layers.
For a critical part, control methods are determined by the project. If evaluation of internal defects or mechanical properties is required, this is planned prior to manufacture and provided with suitable samples or non-destructive testing.
- do not start the process without checking for leaks;
- do not change the binder without revising the diagram and process window;
- do not consider the consumable mesh as part of the structure without specifying the design;
- do not judge success by the front surface alone;
- do not transfer the diagram of one part to another without checking it.
What to pass on to production or a specialist
Prepare a model or drawing, layer map, materials list, surface requirements, batch size and acceptance criteria. Indicate which process elements have already been approved and which need to be developed.
CORDTEX confirms the commercial positions of fabrics through valid categories. The availability of infusion services, equipment and the development of a flow chart must be confirmed by a separate response from production. The article itself does not promise this.
Frequently asked questions
Is the infusion suitable for any fabric?
Applicability depends on package structure, binder, geometry and proven process design.
Can I use a universal feed pattern?
No. The positions of lines and consumables are designed for a specific part and package.
Why check the leaks in advance?
To identify leaks before the binder is supplied, when correction is still possible without losing the complete set.
Does a vacuum guarantee the absence of pores?
No. Quality depends on materials, preparation, impregnation, compaction, curing and control.
What fabrics are associated with the article?
Confirmed carbon, glass, aramid, UD and multi-axial grades.
Does CORDTEX provide an infusion service?
The article does not confirm the availability of the service. The possibility of production is specified in a separate application.