DIATEX Consumable Materials

For 10 years, we have served the composites industry as the Turkey distributor of DIATEX consumables used in composite production methods including vacuum infusion, vacuum bagging and autoclave applications. Some of the consumables we use in our practical training courses are as follows;

• Vacuum film, • Vacuum sealing putties/tapes, • Silicone top molds, • Multilayer systems

Vacuum Films

DIATEX supplies a wide variety of nylon films for vacuum bagging and vacuum infusion methods. The properties of some of these vacuum films are as follows; PA205 HF is a film recommended for advanced composites manufactured under vacuum, with excellent thermal stability and styrene resistance. This vacuum bag, which can be used up to 205°C, is also suitable for autoclave applications. PO180 is a vacuum film with temperature resistance up to 180°C. With its non-porous structure, it is compatible with all resins. PO120 is a standard product and an economical choice. It can be used in vacuum bagging or vacuum infusion methods and is available in straight tubing and sheet form at 50 µ or 75 µ. It allows molding of complex shapes. It can be used in direct contact with resin, is styrene resistant and non-porous. PO175 is designed for use in the production of structures manufactured from advanced composites such as wind turbine blades, boat hulls and decks, and other large industrial structures. It is an excellent choice for use in both vacuum infusion and prepreg molding applications. It is resistant to all commonly used resin systems. [caption id="attachment_128565" align="aligncenter"] Figure 1. (a. PA205 HF, b. PO180, c. PO120, d. PO175) Vacuum film types[/caption]

Sealing Putty/Tape

Sealing putties/tapes are used to create a sealed environment between the vacuum bag and the mold surface. Diatex sealing tapes are easy to apply, ideal for use on composite and metal surfaces and economical. After the mold is cooled to room temperature, it can be removed easily and without residue, and is suitable for use with vacuum infusion and bagging methods. Diatex sealing tapes, which are compatible with most vacuum films and thermoset resins, provide excellent chemical resistance and are available in varieties that can operate at temperatures between 90°C and 205°C. Tapes providing high temperature resistance are suitable for use in autoclave ovens. For example, LSM 7000 (Figure 2) is known as an economical sealing tape recommended for high temperature curing up to 210°C (autoclave applications). [caption id="attachment_128567" align="aligncenter"] Figure 2. LSM 7000[/caption]

Silicone Top Molds

DIATEX provides complete reusable membrane solutions for bagging, infusion and vacuum molding suitable for use in ovens or autoclaves. These elastomeric materials are frequently preferred as top molds in molding applications because they increase productivity through time savings and reusability. There are differences in mechanical and thermal properties among silicone top mold types. Their thicknesses vary between 0.5 mm and 1.5 mm. Their varieties are compatible with most resin systems and are suitable for molding complex shapes. [caption id="attachment_128568" align="aligncenter"] Figure 3. Diasil 49, Two-component silicone top mold[/caption] DIASIL 49 (Figure 3), a sprayable two-component silicone type, facilitates molding. It has been specially developed for the production of membranes that can enter autoclaves and are reusable for vacuum bagging. It provides excellent compression and pressure resistance.

Multilayer Systems

DIATEX supplies multilayer systems for vacuum molding. INFUPLEX and INFUPEEL are multilayer systems used in these production processes. [caption id="attachment_128570" align="aligncenter"] Figure 4. Multilayer system diagram[/caption] INFUPLEX® systems combine two consumables in a single product. These layers consist of a release film and a flow mesh on top of it. There are 7 different INFUPLEX® varieties according to customer needs. These versions vary according to the properties of the release film and flow mesh. The properties of the layers used affect resin flow rate and density values. Systems with temperature resistance between 90°C and 200°C are suitable for all commonly used resin systems. [caption id="attachment_128571" align="aligncenter"] Figure 5. Multilayer systems (INFUPLEX)[/caption] INFUPEEL® systems combine three different consumables in a single product. These layers consist of a peel ply fabric, a perforated nylon film that provides permeability to resin and gases, and a vacuum blanket layer on top. There are two different types of INFUPEEL® systems, and these types differ according to the peel ply fabric. Additionally, INFUPLEX® and INFUPEEL® reduce labor time by facilitating consumable placement.

Özge Altay Materials Engineer Kompozit Akademi Kalıp ve Model San. Tic. A.Ş.