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MVP introduces Flex Moulding Process
TECHNOLOGY
MVP introduces Flex Moulding Process MAGNUM VENUS Plastech (MVP) is introducing a new package of products designed to optimise infusion moulding which it calls the Flex Moulding Process. According to MVP, film infusion moulding, using either infusion films or reusable films made with silicon, polyurethane or latex membranes, has slowly been gaining popularity over traditional closed mould methods. The costs and learning curve involved in mould tooling is much lower with film infusion than the traditional rigid Light RTM double mould set alternative, the company explains. However, one of the challenges in the film infusion process has been a lack of emphasis on the improvements of feeding resin under the membrane. In the past, it has been normal to pre-mix the resin in a separate container and have the vacuum ‘draw’ the resin into the mould through a number of ports strategically placed in the infusion membrane. This method produces good results, particularly with large parts such as boat hulls and large wind turbine blades, but there was still a need for a better solution to the continuous renewal of feed pipes, reservoir cleanout, waste of resin after infusion and the labour required for each moulding cycle (setting up the tubing and establishing vacuum connection security).
REINFORCEDplastics
In answer to these challenges MVP has developed the Flex Moulding Process, a package that consists of injection systems, accessories and seals designed to optimise infusion. The company also offers a training course covering the process, accessories and systems. Flex Moulding Process is said to offer the following advantages: • a mix/meter infusion system provides a direct feed to the infusion membrane, eliminating the need to pre-mix resin and the use of consumable tubing and fittings; • increased precision through the use of new accessories, including the Pneumatic Pressure Vacuum Sensor (PPVS-Infusion); • a new ‘lockable’ reusable membrane in addition to traditional vacuum bag infusion; • large resin reservoirs and multiple large bore feed pipes are eliminated, reducing costs and consumable wastage; • Universal Membrane Fittings provide a secure connection for the connection valves. MVP distributors around the world are currently being trained in this process technology. MVP; www.mpvind.com
MAY/JUNE 2010
Aerospace infusion resin CYTEC ENGINEERED Materials (CEM) is introducing PRISM™ EP2400, a one-part toughened epoxy resin system for use in infusion processes.
processes, reducing quality concerns, and enables design of large complex integrated structures that reduce part count and save weight.
The PRISM EP2400 system uses a proprietary combination of toughening technologies in a resin designed for enhanced processability. The result is said to be a wide processing window, extended stable pot-life, superior flow behaviour and a high degree of mechanical toughness. The resin is compatible with all major infusion processes, can be used with any type of textile configuration and can also be processed out-ofautoclave.
PRISM EP2400’s high mechanical toughness meets aerospace performance requirements for primary structure applications including bulkheads, fuselage and window frames, integrated wing box structures and engine cases. Cytec offers a range of complementary products including binder coatings, low resin content films and tackifiers.
Cytec says that PRISM EP2400 resin simplifies manufacturing
PRISM EP2400 was launched at the 2010 JEC Composites Show in April. CEM; www.cytec.com
Composites One, ZPM distribution deal US DISTRIBUTOR Composites One will be distributing Zyvex Performance Materials (ZPM)'s Epovex, Arovex and Epovex Adhesive nano-enhanced composite products. Epovex is a line of high performance, carbon nanotube strengthened epoxy resins recommended for use in composite manufacturing processes such as filament winding, pultrusion, and hand lay-up. Arovex is a high performance prepreg using Epovex resin, while Epovex Adhesive is a new line of two-part carbon
nanotube strengthened epoxy adhesives. "The applications for nanoenhanced composites are growing and distribution is a key aspect of this developing market," comments Lance Criscuolo, President of Zyvex Performance Materials. "Composites One serves over 8000 customers in the high performance composites markets." ZPM; www.zyvexpro.com Composites One; www.compositesone.com
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MVP introduces Flex Moulding Process MAGNUM VENUS Plastech (MVP) is introducing a new package of products designed to optimise infusion moulding which it calls the Flex Moulding Process. According to MVP, film infusion moulding, using either infusion films or reusable films made with silicon, polyurethane or latex membranes, has slowly been gaining popularity over traditional closed mould methods. The costs and learning curve involved in mould tooling is much lower with film infusion than the traditional rigid Light RTM double mould set alternative, the company explains. However, one of the challenges in the film infusion process has been a lack of emphasis on the improvements of feeding resin under the membrane. In the past, it has been normal to pre-mix the resin in a separate container and have the vacuum ‘draw’ the resin into the mould through a number of ports strategically placed in the infusion membrane. This method produces good results, particularly with large parts such as boat hulls and large wind turbine blades, but there was still a need for a better solution to the continuous renewal of feed pipes, reservoir cleanout, waste of resin after infusion and the labour required for each moulding cycle (setting up the tubing and establishing vacuum connection security).
REINFORCEDplastics
In answer to these challenges MVP has developed the Flex Moulding Process, a package that consists of injection systems, accessories and seals designed to optimise infusion. The company also offers a training course covering the process, accessories and systems. Flex Moulding Process is said to offer the following advantages: • a mix/meter infusion system provides a direct feed to the infusion membrane, eliminating the need to pre-mix resin and the use of consumable tubing and fittings; • increased precision through the use of new accessories, including the Pneumatic Pressure Vacuum Sensor (PPVS-Infusion); • a new ‘lockable’ reusable membrane in addition to traditional vacuum bag infusion; • large resin reservoirs and multiple large bore feed pipes are eliminated, reducing costs and consumable wastage; • Universal Membrane Fittings provide a secure connection for the connection valves. MVP distributors around the world are currently being trained in this process technology. MVP; www.mpvind.com
MAY/JUNE 2010
Aerospace infusion resin CYTEC ENGINEERED Materials (CEM) is introducing PRISM™ EP2400, a one-part toughened epoxy resin system for use in infusion processes.
processes, reducing quality concerns, and enables design of large complex integrated structures that reduce part count and save weight.
The PRISM EP2400 system uses a proprietary combination of toughening technologies in a resin designed for enhanced processability. The result is said to be a wide processing window, extended stable pot-life, superior flow behaviour and a high degree of mechanical toughness. The resin is compatible with all major infusion processes, can be used with any type of textile configuration and can also be processed out-ofautoclave.
PRISM EP2400’s high mechanical toughness meets aerospace performance requirements for primary structure applications including bulkheads, fuselage and window frames, integrated wing box structures and engine cases. Cytec offers a range of complementary products including binder coatings, low resin content films and tackifiers.
Cytec says that PRISM EP2400 resin simplifies manufacturing
PRISM EP2400 was launched at the 2010 JEC Composites Show in April. CEM; www.cytec.com
Composites One, ZPM distribution deal US DISTRIBUTOR Composites One will be distributing Zyvex Performance Materials (ZPM)'s Epovex, Arovex and Epovex Adhesive nano-enhanced composite products. Epovex is a line of high performance, carbon nanotube strengthened epoxy resins recommended for use in composite manufacturing processes such as filament winding, pultrusion, and hand lay-up. Arovex is a high performance prepreg using Epovex resin, while Epovex Adhesive is a new line of two-part carbon
nanotube strengthened epoxy adhesives. "The applications for nanoenhanced composites are growing and distribution is a key aspect of this developing market," comments Lance Criscuolo, President of Zyvex Performance Materials. "Composites One serves over 8000 customers in the high performance composites markets." ZPM; www.zyvexpro.com Composites One; www.compositesone.com
Join the
Reinforced Plastics network.
Find us on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook. www.reinforcedplastics.com