Carbon fiber composite product for motor sport and automotive racing

Composite Processing

Vacuum pumps and vacuum systems for composite materials processing

Vacuum systems for composites processing

Composite materials have revolutionized industries like aerospace, automotive and renewable energy (wind-energy), owing to their exceptional strength-to-weight ratio and durability. Within composite processing methods such as Resin Transfer Molding (RTM), injection molding and vacuum bag molding, vacuum pumps and vacuum technology play a pivotal role in ensuring quality, precision, and efficiency. Leybold specializes in innovative vacuum solutions for composite material processing.

Vacuum Bag Molding
Vacuum Infusion Processing
Resin Transfer Molding (RTM)
Resin Degassing

Vacuum Bag Molding

Vacuum plays a crucial role in vacuum bag molding, which is a widely used manufacturing process in the production of composite parts and components. Vacuum bag molding, also known as vacuum bagging, is a technique used to consolidate composite materials, eliminate air voids and to ensure uniform pressure and compaction during the curing process.

Vacuum Infusion Processing (VIP)

Carbon fiber pure part product composite

In Vacuum Infusion Processing (VIP), a vacuum system is a critical component to create the necessary conditions to infuse the resin into the composite materials. VIP is a manufacturing technique used to produce high-quality, void-free composite parts out of carbon or glass fibers. The typical VIP process steps include the initial air evacuation, resin infusion followed by consolidation under controlled pressure.

Resin Transfer Molding (RTM)

Resin transfer molding (RTM) is a popular technique for manufacturing composite components. It is widely used in the aerospace industry, for wind turbine production and also boat or yacht production.

It involves the infusion of the resin into a preform or mold containing dry reinforcement materials such as fiberglass or carbon fiber. The vacuum pump is integral to the success of this process in several ways:

Removal of air and moisture
Ensure a controlled pressure
Void-free filling of the mold form with resin

Manufacturing of blades for wind turbines by vacuum infusion. The picture was taken in Russia, in an industrial building

Wind turbine blades produced with vacuum

Resin Degassing

Close-up of plastic lump of polymer resin injection molding process

Plastic lump before degassing

Resin degassing is a critical step in composite processing, especially when working with epoxy or other resin systems. Removing air bubbles and volatile compounds from the resin is essential to prevent defects and ensure the material's integrity. Vacuum pumps are indispensable in this process.

Vacuum pumps create a low-pressure environment that causes air and gas bubbles entrapped inside the resin to expand and rise to the surface, where they are removed by the vacuum system, resulting in a bubble-free, high-quality resin.

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Our vacuum expertise - your advantage

In the world of composite processing, achieving the highest quality and performance standards is paramount. Leybold provide vacuum pumps that play a crucial role composite processing application, helping manufacturers to create composite components that are strong, durable, and free of defects. Whether you're in wind-energy, aerospace, automotive, or any other industry, understanding the importance of vacuum pumps in these processes is key to producing top-tier composite products.