Vacuum infusion has a number of advantages over other custom forming methods. Vacuum infused composites generally have higher fiber contents and can utilize longer fibers, than composites formed in the open mold, spray lay-up method. Vacuum infused composites also usually do not require as much machining and finishing as other conventional composites.
Vacuum infusion is one of the newer composite forming methods that has been in continuous use and is one of the most reliable and consistent processes available.
In the vacuum infusion method, air is removed from the glass layup. Resin is introduced under vacuum pressure. As the process is completely self-contained, there is no possibility for air bubbles or particle contaminants to invade the fiber-resin composite ensuring a solid, void-free composite. PCT's vacuum infusion process is also infinitely reproducible and relatively quick, making it a great option for large or small runs.
In addition to vacuum infusion, PCT uses hand lay-up and spray lay-up processes, filament winding, convoluted winding, long fiber thermoplastic molding, and laminate molding, among other methods. Every job is better suited to one process than the others, depending on the composite structure's intended application, the harshness of the application, the fiber-resin combination that will be used, the time constraints, and the cost requirements. Our designers and engineers have the experience necessary to make these determinations, while taking the client's needs into careful consideration
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