66 Practical Boat Owner t http://www.pbo.co.uk
(^4)
The pipe is pulled from the reservoir
(to drain) when the resin front is
close to the gunwale.
For more information:
West System International
http://www.westsysteminternational.com
Tel: 01794 521111
E: [email protected]
Facebook: Search West System
International Twitter: @westsystemint
Watch our video:
Visit pbo.co.uk or the Epoxycraft
website for more on vacuum infusion
and the Pro Set range.
THE INFUSION PROCESS
Cure and post-cure
Testing the vacuum
Bag complete and stuck down, we
switched on the pump and once the
vacuum had formed, we checked the
gauge and also listened around the flange
for the hiss of leaks. The bag was also
moved around for a better fit, and particular
attention was paid to the big pleats at
each end of the mould to ensure they
were pulled down tight. With the vacuum
still running, the epoxy delivery point was
exposed and the delivery tube attached,
with the bag re-sealed around it. Using a
simple tap to control infusion epoxy
through the delivery pipe, a final drop test
was performed to see if the vacuum would
be maintained with the pump off.
1
All ready to go, the delivery pickup
tube is attached to a rigid pole so it
can sit at the bottom of the epoxy bucket.
3
With the tap opened, the resin front
gradually crosses the distribution
mat, from the centre towards the edges.
2
The Pro Set resin is thoroughly
mixed with its hardener and
decanted into the bucket.
1
The mould itself is a honeycomb
sandwich (sample shown here) that
allows hot water to circulate freely
through the central core.
2
Hot water is run from this portable
water heater and circulation pump,
bringing the mould’s temperature up to
around 50°C.
3
When cured the moulding may need
to be prised out of the mould using
wedges. Water pressure is used to achieve
separation on very large mouldings.
4
Finally the peel ply can be removed.
It leaves a roughened surface as an
ideal key for any further epoxy work.
PRACTICAL
(^5)
The end result is a strong but light
moulding ready for fitting out with
trims and seats.