Resin Infusion

Our bottom shell fiberglass mold is currently 192'' x 70'' x 32'', which makes it too large to be able to reach into the mold and do a wet-layup. Because of this, we seek to do resin infusion.

Pros:

• Better fiber-to-resin ratio
• Less wasted resin
• Very consistent resin usage
• Unlimited set-up time
• Cleaner

If done right, this process saves materials and creates a stronger layout with less work during the layout and we can be more careful on layering throughout the setup process.

Cons:

• Difficult to set up
• Trial and error
• Difficult to keep dry materials flush to sides prior to infusion

The process can be complicated as it requires a precise set up of vacuum tubes and resin inlets to pull resin all the way through the shell and once the dry materials are set there is no way to really adjust them.

Equipment:

• Vacuum pump
• Vacuum tubing- Vinyl tubing, ½” diameter to allow for maximum flow
• Resin trap- traps excess resin, for larger projects multiple are recommended 
• Spiral tubing- standard for resin infusion,is ideally suited for in-bag for vacuum line extenders or resin feed lines
• (recommended) Resin distribution mesh- helps spread resin
• Clamps- to clamp off resin pump

Step-by-step guide

1. Step 1: The Mold
   1. Prepare the mold and select type of reinforcement and flow media
   2. Lay reinforcement in mold
2. Step 2: Resin and Vacuum lines
   1. Select and install resin feed lines
      • From a source, usual resin in a bucket
      • The line for getting the resin into the laminate will have to be installed before closing the bag
      • Same tubing that is used for applying vacuum is fine for getting the resin to the bag
      • OTHER MATERIALS CAN BE USED TO MAKE PROCESS BETTER CHECK SECTION IN ARTICLE
   2. Select and Install Your Vacuum Lines
      • DON'T need breather/bleeder material
      • Spiral tubing place around
3. Step 3: Vacuum Bag and Attach Your Resin Line 
   1. Build Your Vacuum Bag - same as normal 
   2. Attach resin and vacuum lines 
   3. CLAMP OFF RESIN LINE BEFORE VACUUM IS SWITCHED ON
      • Vacuum should be tight before resin is drawn in 
      • Can use a flow regulator 
   4. Use Resin trap to prevent resin from entering vacuum
      • When set up properly, the vacuum tubing will flow out of the laminate and connect directly to the resin trap
4. Step 4: Vacuum Pump
   1. Attach vacuum line to pump
   2. Switch on vacuum and ensure proper seal
5. Step 5: Prepare for Infusion
   1. Select resin, does not need VIP specific resin- just need to watch for viscosity. Lower will allow for more infusion
   2. Resin Bucket-set up
      1. Have to be careful as air in tube will ruin process, so make sure resin line is staying in resin and staying straight and not curling
6. Step 6: Resin Infusion 
   
   1. Catalyze resin 
   2. Place resin line in resin and unclamp the resin line and allow to flow into laminate 
   3. Clamp off resin line
   4. DO NOT turn off pump yet until resin is completely gelled 
   5. With the vacuum pump still running, gently start to unscrew the wingnut on the resin feed line clamp. As you loosen  the screw you will immediately see resin start to be drawn down the feed line and into the infusion. Unscrew the  clamp all the way to ensure there is no restriction to the flow of resin into the infusion.

Related articles

• Page:
  (WIP) Composite Materials and Material Acquisition
• Page:
  (WIP) Composite Layups
• Page:
  Aeroshell Wet Layups for Dummies
• Page:
  (WIP) Canopy 22-24
• Page:
  Resin Infusion

https://compositeenvisions.com/document/the-many-ways-to-layout-your-infusion-setup/

https://www.provac.com/blogs/news/vacuum-pumps-for-resin-infusion

https://www.fibreglast.com/product/vacuum-infusion-Guide

https://media.easycomposites.co.uk/datasheets/EC-TDS-Guide-to-Resin-Infusion.pdf