Laminate Sample #3: Epoxy Infused E-glass with Soric Core

[@AlJay0032]

Would be nice if you had a metric column with grams or kilograms and sq meters too. Excel could do these on the fly from your numbers.

[@ExploreComposites]

Some of the samples are metric, others imperial. Metric is better of course but I try to mix it up. Doing both makes sense though! Will look into it - Thanks!

[@hatemzayani1324]

hi, what was the final thickness of the laminate?

[@ExploreComposites]

This one is 2.7mm / 0.11" thick. I should go back and add that in the descriptions for these early samples - useful info!

[@hatemzayani1324]

thanks for your fast reply, by the way did you manage in any way to make a successful resin infusion without flow media and between two plates?

[@ExploreComposites]

@@hatemzayani1324 I'm working on it and will have updates - but friction really slows it down after 300-500mm. Trying some vinyl-ester with very low viscosity and slower epoxy.

[@hatemzayani1324]

@@ExploreComposites i managet to make it by putting flow media between layers in the laminate i tested it and working very well, but i want to make it without flow media, what if we apply some pressure on the resin inlet may be it could help

[@ExploreComposites]

@@hatemzayani1324 Do you mean with Soric or just solid glass? Soric should get you a meter of flow, but I am not sure there are any easy ways to get a meter of flow on a solid laminate without flow media. Maybe very slow resin, very warm mold and the right laminate... some fiber styles flow better than others.

[@hunterhintenlang2646]

Do you have any insight on using perforated release films directly on the part surface (replacing peel ply) with flow mesh on top? There seem to be limited options in obtaining a smooth finish on the bag side.

[@ExploreComposites]

Yes, it works pretty well as long as the perforations are big enough to let the resin through. There is a (ex. Solvay - now Aerovac ) product called Infuply (Airtech makes one too but I forget the name - probably others as well) that is just a 3D flow mesh with perforated film pre-applied to it. Seems to work pretty well even for thicker parts that need a lot of resin. Not sure how smooth the surface will be though - usually gets crinkly finish from the film. For a smooth finish you may be in caul-plate (or sheet) territory - but you'll need an internal flow media...

[@alexsmolen2113]

Hi, what is the teflon material that you put on your table? What type of surface does this give the final product and is that surface ideal for future bonding? Thanks

[@ExploreComposites]

It is a Teflon film with a silicone adhesive. There is a video called: ‘Adhesive-Backed Mold Release Film for Composites Tooling’ and an article linked in that description with a list of sources and manufacturers at the bottom. It leaves a shiny surface do sanding or peel ply are necessary for secondary bonding.

[@alexsmolen2113]

Explore Composites thanks so much!

[@k.bellingham8335]

So how strong is it? What would you use soric core for?

[@ExploreComposites]

Lots of things I guess - things that need to be composite for geometry or gelcoat finish but that don't have to be crazy light. I know it's used in small boats a lot - but boats are what I know best. You probably don't find much in airplanes - but maybe! Soric is probably best used with polyester or vinyl-ester from a cost to performance perspective but it is great for hard-to-fit core areas even with epoxy or carbon price-point parts. Its just so much faster/easier than foam.

[@k.bellingham8335]

@@ExploreComposites Thanks for responding to really my dumb question. Certainly you teach anyone who watches plenty and probably are often asked questions that have obvious answers to those who know. Anyway thanks for your informative videos and again, responding to my dumb question