Vinylester Resin Infusion Process (VRI) Instructions, How-to, and
Technical Guidance
VRI is a process by which you can produce consistent, high quality
(good reinforcement to resin ratios) laminates, as well as reducing
exposure
to resin vapors for safety, health, and emissions to the
atmosphere.
The Vacuum Resin Infusion process is a molding method
where
1. The reinforcing material (fiberglass, carbon fiber, Kevlar, and
core) are placed in a mold dry.
2. Peel Ply is placed over the reinforcing
fabric.
3. Enka (Resin Flow Channel) material is placed over the center of
the part to channel the resin to the center of the
part.
4. Spiral Wrap Tubing is placed around the perimeter top flange of
the part to draw the resin from Enka channel at the
center, through the reinforcing fabric to the edges of the
part.
5. Mastic Tape is bonded to the top flange of the mold outside the
spiral wrap
tubing.
6. A Vacuum Bag is then fit snug to the reinforcing fabric and sealed
to the mastic tape. Make sure that
the bag will fit
tight to the fabric and not span depressions in the part. This span will create a resin puddle
which will weaken the
part.
7. Set up the resin supply reservoir with resin inlet tube to the
center of the Enka flow channel and seal with Mastic
Tape.
8. Set up Resin Overflow Trap (a spray gun pressure pot will do) and
vacuum
pump.
9. Plug the resin supply line; draw a vacuum to test the system for
leaks, good fit of the vacuum bag and even compression
of the
fabric.
10. Once you are comfortable with the setup, catalyze the appropriate
amount of resin for your part and pour it into the resin
reservoir.
Then draw a vacuum and observe the flow of resin through the fabric. This is a Trial and Error Process. You must be
patient and observant taking care to record all factors: Temp, Vacuum Pressure, and Mark Resin
Advance through
the
fabric
at time intervals such as 5, 10, and 15 minutes recording areas of poor
flow.
11. Make necessary
adjustments to the system to improve the process and repeat.