Pressure Bag Moulding

Pressure Bag Moulding:

This is similar to vacuum bag moulding and allow the use of higher pressure (upto 3.5 bars) than atmospheric, producing better consolidation and higher fibre content. Seamless containers, tank and other product can be made by this process. The advantage of this technique over vacuum bag moulding is that a higher pressure can be applied to the laminate and thus it requires very strong mould. 

An inflatable elastic pressure bag is positioned within the preform, and the assembly is put into a closed mould. Resin is injected into the preform, and the pressure bag is inflated to the required pressure, heat (by air or steam) is applied and the part is cured within the mould. When curing is complete, the bag is deflated and pulled through an opening at the end of the mould before the part is removed. It is normally used for the production of high quality moulding from prepregs. Schematic diagram of pressure bag moulding is shown below.

Advantage    

The advantage of this technique over vacuum bag moulding is that a higher pressure can be applied to the laminate and thus it requires very strong mould. 

Application

Seamless containers, tank and other product can be made by this process.