Vacuum bagging composite repairs

[John Anderson]

I work for a shop and do the hard boat repairs. I've recently acquired a vacuum pump and am thinking about vacuum bagging some ot the repairs, especially when the patch goes on a concave surface.

I'd like to get suggestions:
-technique
-materials and sources
-types of material I can use vacuum bagging on
-etc.
Thanks,
JA

[clt_capt]

John,
any composite repair can be done with vacuum bagging. All of the normal benefits of vacuum bagging do apply - higher fiber to resin ratio, less trapped air, reduced bulk, ability to meet complex curves.

For thin laminates or through cracks, you need to ensure that the crack is adequately sealed to prevent leakage.

cosmetic matching may be difficult especially with carbon or Kevlar patches, but the patch will be mechanically stronger than a hand laminated patch. Surface prep doesn't change.

For large volumes of bagging supplies, Air Tech is a good Source - http://www.airtechintl.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

For smaller quantities, try US Composites

[Bob P]

http://cjcompositestechnology.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.carbonfiberglass.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.fibreglast.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Besides raw materials and supplies, each have instructional materials.

For smaller patches in concave areas, it might be easier to use a bladder to apply pressure to the layup.