How to Choose a Vacuum Pump for Vacuum Bagging Composites

[@fredygump5578]

Sweet! I have one of those Gast diaphram pumps. I didn't get it because I was clever; I got it because it was cheap on Ebay! (I think it was $200 and in new condition, but sold as-is as part of a lab liquidation.) And it has been working flawlessly for the small parts I have been making.

[@ExploreComposites]

Nice! I hope is serves you well for years to come. Nothing wrong with cheap either!

[@carsonbell1368]

what's the best pump for both wet layup and infusion for a budget of $400-$600 range? I'm having a lot of trouble figuring this out. I have a ton of pumps I'm looking at but can't choose. single stage or double? oil or oil free? I was thinking a JB Eliminator. What are your thoughts? thanks in advance. -Carson

[@ccne11]

If I was building a 22' boat using vacuum infusion, which pump would you recommend? Thanks!

[@markuspersich1400]

Hello . I have a question which is the best vacuum pump for infusion and autoclaves? best regards ....

[@rohanpuri1989]

Is the Busch R5 sufficient to do multiple prepreg items simultaneously? Probably with a vacuum tank?

[@ExploreComposites]

If things aren't too huge it should be fine. There shouldn't be any leaks once the bags are fully down, but with prepregs there can be some water vapor or volatile stuff from the resin that comes off through the pump as you heat things up. Bigger pumps will deal with this better. Unless you're using wood tooling or lots of core this shouldn't be a big issue. Sometimes a bigger pump is an insurance policy against one leaking part messing up the others - but leaky bags are always trouble.

[@quickservices626]

Denvar was used but drop of water particle will ruin the pump performance. Anyone can assist which filter will be suitable for absorbing moisture from the air

[@kennyhill8065]

i have a Dresser vacuum pump DC2 high volume oil pump. I am having trouble finding the info on the required oil type? What should i be looking for in a oil. My unit looks low and want to flush and replace. Thanks

[@ExploreComposites]

I’m no expert here - use what the manufacturer suggests if you can find it. Not much out there on a Dresser DC2 though! Most (rotary vane) vacuum pump oil is ISO68 viscosity mineral oil and unless you’re using a special pump generic vacuum pump oil should work ok. You won’t likely ruin the pump with the wrong oil but it may not last as long or work as well.

[@asahammond3926]

I am looking at some Busch pumps that will need to be turned off every 2 hours for 15 minutes. Will this be a problem for composites work in your experience? Doing a mix of wet and infusion.

[@ExploreComposites]

That will be a problem! I've never seen a Busch pump with that kind of duty cycle - what is the model? Unless you're using some very fast-curing resin systems, it will be very handy to have a pump that will run 24hr/day for several days at least.

[@exclusivesolutions6439]

I have watched several of your videos and was very impressed, then found your website. Thank you very much for all the time you have spent putting this information together for all to learn! I have just purchased a Busch RB 0021 and looking to purchase oil for the pump. I reached out to Busch directly, as it calls for their VM 032 oil and they did not respond! Do you have any recommendations on a like for like oil that may be readily available at a local supply store?

[@ExploreComposites]

You’d probably be ok with a standard oil but if its a new pump maybe spring for the busch oil!

[@hp5683]

Which CFM vacuum pump do we need for a specific volume? Is there any relation? Vacuum needed is from 0.3-0.5mbar.

[@ExploreComposites]

In theory no - not related because volume only matters in pulling down the bag and with leaks. Practically it helps to have some volume (CFM) for larger parts where you need to get high vacuum. A los volume pump won’t keep up with the leaks until the bag gets very good.

[@BTru105]

Found an Edwards E2M30 for sale for pretty cheap. Is this pump overkill for composites work (wet layup and infusion)?

[@ExploreComposites]

Yes it is probably overkill - but if its cheap that may be fine. For infusion it is great. For most wet-layup you'll want less than full vacuum, so it may not love being run with a regulator. Just make sure you don't run it out of oil and plumb the exhaust outside your work area so you don't find yourself in an oil-mist cloud. It may not last forever, but it will work!

[@Iwasbornin74]

You said that the Becker VT 4.16 is the largest you can get using 110V power. Becker has a VT 4.25 and VT 4.40 that use single-phase power so you can get more than double the flow if you went to the largest one.

[@ExploreComposites]

It sure is handy (where I live) to have 110-120v power unless you need bigger capacity. They're just all around good pumps. I picked up a tiny VT 4.4 since I made this video - it's really handy sized!

[@nutsandbolts432]

Would a air conditioning vacuum pump, like a Robinair work for composite layups?

[@ExploreComposites]

Yes, and it will pull high vacuum. The duty cycle may be an issue and it will probably heat up quite a bit and may spew oil out if your bag isn't really good. But people use them all the time with success.

[@ciksumurni2429]

What is the pressure range if I want to debulk Prepreg composite in a vaccum bag at room temperature?

[@ExploreComposites]

Usually it is good to debulk with as much vacuum as possible. The goal is to compact the plies and remove trapped air, so there isn't really a situation where less vacuum would be better - well maybe there is but I don't know about it...

[@ciksumurni2429]

@@ExploreComposites it's ok.. Tq for your response

[@tomspettel3646]

I have two brand new gast vac pumps that pull 19 to 20 pounds Dont know if this enough though

[@ExploreComposites]

For bagging wet layup or clamping it should be perfect. Infusion will be possible but not ideal at 20inHg.

[@andrewbeaton3302]

Great video!!!

[@mohammadtalebi3820]

Verry good...

[@ExploreComposites]

Thank you!

[@mohammadtalebi3820]

I need to composite certificate May you helpe me...?

[@ExploreComposites]

Send me an e-mail from the EC! site and I'll see what I can do.

[@mohammadtalebi3820]

@@ExploreComposites [e-mail] Thanks...

[@lxldigvijaylxl]

I have many questions for you

[@lxldigvijaylxl]

Can i use 250lpm oil sealed pump replace with 150lmp whats is effect on vaccum

[@ExploreComposites]

@@lxldigvijaylxl Is that liters per minute? It should pull the same level of vacuum but less volume - so it will take longer to move a volume but eventually it will do it - in about 1.5 times as long. The specs of the oils sealed pump will determine ultimate vacuum level.

[@lxldigvijaylxl]

@@ExploreComposites yes

[@lxldigvijaylxl]

I am looking to buy second hand leybold pump D16b

[@ExploreComposites]

@@lxldigvijaylxl That is a nice pump! I have had a similar Leybold one and it worked well for high-vac / low flow / low moisture situations like pre-preg cooking in non-wood molds. That pump will pull all the vacuum - and more - that you'll ever need for composites! Be careful about moisture as there is no oil filter or gas ballast (or is there? - if there is it can help with moisture) and will not like to run with air flowing through the pump in any real volume. These lab-style pumps like pulling as close to full vacuum as possible!

[@LiaLee-33]

Good ！I can provide industrial use vacuum pumps