About.com

Fabrics Used In Composites

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 21:54:25 +0000

Are you new to building composite laminates? Then I suggest learning about the various fabrics used in composites.

And for all you old salty composite dogs out there, I would be ...

General Purpose Laminating Resins

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 11:51:27 +0000

If you work with composites, you probably hear the term "GP Laminating Resin", also known as General Purpose Laminating Resin.

Well, do you ever wonder what is laminating resin in the first place? I did...

Prepreg Selection

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 21:38:30 +0000

Selecting a prepreg can be difficult. There are so many different variables to choose from including fiber, fabric, resin, and resin content. The possible combinations are mind boggling.

How do you select what type of prepreg to use?

Prepreg - What are Prepreg Composite Materials

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 21:34:00 +0000

It seems like everyone wants to use prepregs these days. Yes, prepregs are awesome, this is true. You don't have to deal with getting liquid all over the place, which is great. Just don't leave it sitting out all day on your loading dock...

New Year Resolution: Switch to Vacuum Infusion

Sat, 31 Dec 2011 18:39:46 +0000

When considering the move to resin infusion, it is helpful to understand what is in store. The largest capital cost in converting is a quality vacuum pump, and routing the vacuum through the shop. Chances are your molds could be easily adjusted to use vacuum infusion, and it would only take a week or two to train your employees.

...

Read Full Post

Epoxy Resin For Composites

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 12:47:49 +0000

Epoxy is my personal favorite resin. It has better properties then polyester and vinyl ester, and my favorite, orderless with zero VOCs.

There are only two downsides when comparing epoxy resin to traditional resins. It is more expensive, and it can turn yellow in the sun. Other then that, epoxy is awesome.

Vacuum Infusion Introduction

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 21:48:30 +0000

It seems as if everyone want's to try out resin infusion. The truth is, it can make better parts, faster, and with less scrap.

In fact, today I saw a 35 foot boat hull infused with vinyl ester resin, all in one shot. Extremely impressive to say the least.

Examples of Composites (Around the House)

Sun, 25 Dec 2011 12:20:29 +0000

FRP composites are used all over the modern home. Here are a few examples of composites around the house. And this list does not include items like you bicycle, snowboard, surfboard, soccer cleats, football pads, and hockey sticks. I'm talking around the house, like building materials.

...

Read Full Post

Thermoset vs Thermoplastic Resin

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 20:56:04 +0000

Chances are you are extremely familiar with both thermopalstic and thermoset resins. But, are you aware of the differences between the two resins when they are reinforced with fiber?

Closed Mold Manufacturing

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 20:20:28 +0000

Tired of the styrene smell? Fed up with wasting resin? Want happier and more productive workers?

Then perhaps it is time you switch to closed mold manufacturing. Make more parts, faster, and with less waste. Learn why many composite manufacturers have switched over to either resin transfer molding, vacuum infusion, or a hybrid closed mold manufacturing method.