How to choose a resin? Questions and answers for those who want to create something new.

Polymer resins are used as plastics since the beginning of the 20th century and along with resin formulation and improvements in their technical parameters, resins are used in many industries. Since we have more than 300 different formulations of polyester resin, more than 100 different epoxy resins and vinyl ester resins, their best use would be to describe technology.

Wet Laminating

The most common method of wetting the fabric with resin is by wet application. The process is simple and fast. Mix the resin with the hardener over the surface of the intended fabric using a brush or roller. Applying the resin with a brush or roller, hundreds of air bubbles remain in the laminate, so it is always advisable to squeeze the bubbles with the air rollers after moistening. The air bubbles left in the laminate impair the mechanical strength of the product. We recommend the use of wet application when producing parts that are not designed for heavy loads.

To do this you will need

Epoxy resin or vinyl ester resin + fiberglass, carbon fiber fabrics or Kevlar fiber, application and bubbling rollers.

Polyester resin + fiberglass hair or any of glass fiber fabrics, application and bubbling rollers.

Wet application is used for: rowing boats, motorboats, car parts, molds, baths, roof racks and various other products, etc.

Wet Laminating + Vacuuming

This method is very similar to the above-mentioned method, only in this case vacuuming joins. When the resin is moistened and the bubbles are pressed onto the resin surface, a layer of separating fabrics that absorb excess resin content is placed on top. If it is a thin detail then peelply is enough for occasions, but if you have 4 or more layers, then we recommend using a perforated film and a blade that squeezes the excess resin. In both cases, the outer layer is a vacuum bag attached to the vacuum pump. As a result, there is less resin in the laminate, the component is lighter and more durable.

To do this you will need

Epoxy resin or vinyl ester resin + fiberglass, carbon fiber fabrics or kevlar fiber, application and bubble extrusion rollers, vacuum pump, vacuum film, vacuum sealing rubber, perforated film, valve or peelply,

Polyester resin + fiberglass hair or any of glass fiber fabrics, application and bubbling rollers, vacuum pump, vacuum film, vacuum sealing rubber, perforated film, vent or peelply.

Wet application, lamination + vacuuming is used for: production of quality parts, parts that are subject to loads. Manufactured in yacht hulls, sports equipment, rally cars, all kinds of structural parts, where detail ease and durability are required.

Infusion

The infusion process is a closed fiber wetting process that takes place in a vacuum under a vacuum film or in a bilateral closed form. Below you will find a brief description of both of them.

Infusion Light

Light infusion is the most popular resin transfer laminate. A form that is treated with a separating wax is needed. The gelkouts may be molded in the shape, but may also not be necessary if there is no need to protect the component from moisture or UV rays. Lay dry cloth in the desired thickness and directions. When the fabric is laid on the fabric puts a peelply separating fabric on top. Above the peelply puts an infusion sieve that provides air and resin transport. Then, when the mesh is covered with a mesh detail over the sieve, it should be provided with a resin inlet and on which side the vacuum will suck it. Most often, the resin is placed in the center of the component and sucked out around the perimeter, or the resin is placed one or more sideways linearly in detail.

To do this you will need

Shape, separator weft, structural fabrics, infusion resin, peelpy, infusion sieve, infusion tube, vacuum film, vacuum pump (preferably with an over-resin collection tube in the tub)

Resin Transfer Form (RTM-Resin Transfer Molding)

RTM is a resin transfer in closed form with resin proportioning device and vacuum. Most often, it is a two-sided form separated by a separating wax. In the form of a gelcout - if necessary, lay dry cloth in the necessary directions. The double-sided form is sealed so that the fabric is crushed and there is no unnecessary gap where the resin flows. The mold is closed and sealed, on the other side is used a RTM proportioning device, where the resin is automatically mixed in certain proportions with the hardener and pressurized in the form in which there is already a vacuum. After the hardening of the resin, the smooth and aesthetic part is opened and removed, which requires minimal post-treatment.

To do this you will need

Double-sided form, Graco RTM, vacuum pump, separator wires, fiberglass fabrics, gelkouts, infusion resins.

The infusion and RTM processes produce parts sealed, reducing air emissions. Produces fast and quality motorboat hulls and other parts.

Casting resin on table tops and in molds

We always recommend that customers use the epoxy resin that they are designed to put on the table. The resin should be modified with low exothermic temperature during development so that it does not burn and crack. When pouring epoxy resin on wooden surfaces, remember that the tree must first be covered with a thin layer of resin - sealed to prevent air bubbles coming out of the wood during casting.

The shape of the piece in the shape of the piece is necessary. If there is a solid form, then it is treated with separating waxes, but if the form is silicone, the decoction layer is not required. very often they can be small jewelry, transparent accessories. Then, when the amount of spillage is known, the resin can be chosen. Epoxy resin casting will be required when the pour rate is greater than 10x10x10cm, these resins have a long hardening, so these resins can be used for larger castings