Vacuum bagging equipment and vacuum infusion equipment is used during the manufacture of fiberglass and composite parts to remove air voids and better infuse the reinforcing cloth with resin. These types of equipment are commonly used in composite manufacturing and lamination and veneer applications.

Vacuum bagging and vacuum infusion are used to create a mechanical pressure on a laminate during its curing cycle. These processes remove trapped air from between the layers of a composite and compacts the fiber layers, which prevents fiber orientation shifting during the cure. Vacuum bagging equipment and vacuum infusion equipment allow composites to be formed with reduced internal porosity and voids. Bagging equipment is commonly used to remove air when laying up composites, while infusion equipment is used to remove air from a porous material so that a new liquid can be introduced.  Vacuum bagging equipment and vacuum infusion equipment each use a vacuum bag, which bond or laminate materials Bags are typically made from strong, rubber-coated fabrics or polymer film and feature an open end.

Choosing Vacuum Bag Materials

Choosing vacuum bag materials can depend on the application and the nature of what is being bagged. For simple vacuum bagging and vacuum infusion applications, polyethylene can be used. In more complex applications, nylon or a high-stretch material may be considered.

When using vacuum bagging equipment and vacuum infusion equipment, the best results come from supplying an even vacuum to the whole part. This can often be achieved by using a breather layer between the vacuum bag and the part. Using this technique will require use of a release barrier between the breather and the part. Depending on the application, vacuum bags may enclose an entire material, or use a mold to seal to the outer face of the laminate. The open end of the vacuum bag is sealed and then drawn out with a vacuum pump.

Vacuum bagging equipment and vacuum infusion equipment pumps should be configured to include an airtight piercing of the bag where the vacuum will be drawn. It should also include a trap that prevents resin from being drawn into the pump, a vacuum gauge, and relief valve for vacuum regulation. Vacuum bagging equipment and vacuum laminate equipment applications also require a series or tubes or piping to introduce the resin into the bag. Other types of unlisted vacuum bagging equipment and vacuum infusion equipment may also be commonly available.