General Principle

Vacuum bagging has two main uses in the repair of composite gliders. The first is the manufacture of new parts such as instrument panels, under carriage doors and other small detailed parts. The second use is to hold large foam repairs in place during curing.

In very simple terms vacuum is applied in both cases to a sealed bag or membrane and this in turn compresses the laminate below it. In order that the trapped air can be evacuated a breather is sandwiched between the laminate and the bag. To prevent the resin from sticking to the breather a perforated release film is positioned between the laminate and the breather.

While many repairers over the years have made do with alternative materials there is no substitute for using materials designed for the purpose. We can supply a complete range of materials to suit all your requirements.

Vacuum Bagging Materials

@ per linear mtr (60" wide)

Breather felt : Place this material between the release film and the Bagging film to allow the vacuum to be distributed evenly acros the part or repair.

@ per linear mtr (60" wide)

Vacuum Bagging Film : The part or repair is sealed from atmosphere within this Bagging film. Use either masking tape of Bagging Sealant Tape to seal the bag and create a Vacuum

@ per linear mtr (60" wide)

Bagging Sealant Tape : This double sided tape will allow you to create a vacuum seal on your bag or against a repair. It is 1/2" wide and is very easy to use. Ideal where you need to create bags with pleats.

@ per roll (approx 20mtrs)

Vacuum Bag Fitting : These three part valves are the industry standard and make the production of a fast and reliable vacuum connection to your bags easy. Sold as a set containing 1 x Bag fitting

@ per set

Hose Fitting : Hose fitting to suit 10mm hose  Sold as a set containing 1 x vacuum coupling fitting and 1 x hose fitting

@ per set

Self Adhesive PTFE Release film : This material is a real godsend if you need to take a splash of a part to make a mould or a inner reinforcement. It is a thin self adhesive film coated with PTFE ensuring a release every time. Can be cut and folded or butt jointed without worry. Ideal for wing dollies and the like on areas without complex curves. We use it on bench surfaces to prevent build up of resin.

@ per linear mtr (36" wide)

Vacuum Bagging Techniques Book : This book contains a vast wealth of information not only on Vacuum Bagging but on a whole range of aspects connected with the manufacture of parts in GRP. Certainly one for the book shelf of anyone who wants to explore the possibilities of glass fibre in the manufacturing of parts.

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Vacuum Pumps:- We can usually supply vacuum pumps at very reasonable prices (around £130 plus VAT). However these items can be obtained on occasions from on-line auctions like E-Bay expect to pay between £80 and £100 for a small Edwards Speedy Vac Pump