Vacuum Bagging Materials

Completing the vacuum system for processing laminates means multiple materials must be present. Here is a general rundown of the materials to use in order to properly utilize a vacuum bagging system.

Release Fabric

The release fabric is also known as peel ply. This is a smooth, woven material that will not bond to epoxy. It is primarily used to separate the breather and the laminate. Excess epoxy wicks through the release fabric, which is peeled off after the laminate cures. The release fabric leaves a smooth, textured surface that can usually be bonded to without any additional preparation. Sand surfaces will then be subject to highly-loaded bonds before doing any additional bonding. Release fabrics and films can then be designed for high-temperature applications. Also use release fabrics for controlling.

Perforated Film

Perforated film is a plastic film that users can use in along with release fabric to help keep the epoxy in the laminate when you are using high vacuum pressure with slow curing epoxy systems or creating thin laminates. Perforated films are available in a variety of hole sizes and patterns. When trying to choose the correct choice, it'll depend on the amount of clamping pressure and the epoxy's open time and viscosity.

Breather Material

Breather material is also called bleeder material and its purpose in vacuum bagging is to allow air from all parts of the envelope to be drawn to a port or manifold by providing a slight air space between the bag and the laminate. Breather material provides air passage within the vacuum envelope and will absorb any excess epoxy. This material can also consist of a lightweight polyester blanket, mosquito netting, burlap, fiberglass cloth, or for a solar bubble pool cover.

Vacuum Bag

A vacuum bag typically forms half of the airtight envelope around the laminate. For anyone planning to use vacuum pressure of less than 5 psi at room temperatures, then a 6-mil polyethylene plastic is sufficient for the bag. Clear plastic film is better than opaque material to allow for easy inspection of the laminate as it cures. For higher temperature and pressure applications, then using specially manufactured vacuum bag material is recommended.

Mastic Sealant

Mastic sealant is a sticky substance many use to seal the perimeter of the vacuum bag, as it creates pleats in the bag as needed in order to accommodate the part. A mastic sealant is used to provide a continuous airtight seal between the bag and the perimeter of the mold. The mastic sealant can also be used to seal the point where the manifold enters the bag, as well as to repair leaks in the bag or plumbing. Poor seals, or material that allows air leaks, likely require a larger capacity pump to maintain satisfactory vacuum pressure.

Our Vacuum Bagging Supplies for Sale

Reinforced Plastics Lab sells breather fabric and vacuum bag film for the vacuum bagging process. Vacuum bagging, also called vacuum bag laminating, is a clamping method that uses atmospheric pressure to hold the epoxy-coated components of a laminate in one place until the epoxy finishes curing. Modern room-temperature-cure epoxies, like some resins, eliminates the need for many of the sophisticated and expensive equipment that used to be needed for vacuum bag laminating.

Due to the ability of current epoxies, vacuum bagging is now a technique that is more widely accessible. Vacuum bagging can laminate a wide range of materials from traditional wood veneers to synthetic fibers and core materials. For more information about the vacuum bagging supplies and epoxy resin supplies we have in stock, please reach out to us today. Get a quote for our materials. And check out our vacuum bagging supplies for sale.

Vacuum Bagging Supplies

Buy vacuum bagging supplies in wholesale quantities with Reinforced Plastics. We are located on Long Island in East Farmingdale, New York, and we ship to customers around the United States.