The ability to fully automate composite lay-up processes has taken a giant leap forward with the introduction of VacuSpray® this patent-pending spray-on vacuum bag system was developed to satisfy the overwhelming need of the composite manufacturing industry to reinvent the time consuming and failure-ridden conventional vacuum bagging process.
VacuSpray® SPRAY-ON VACUUM INTEGRITY LAYER (VIL)
The VacuSpray® system’s Vacuum Integrity Layer (VIL) consists of a two-part Polyuria specifically formulated to maintain vital elasticity and elongation while enduring autoclave temperatures as high as 350º F.
The VacuSpray® VIL is applied using a pressurized, heated delivery system (100 p.s.i. / 160º F). The spray compound leaves the tip of the spray gun at 160º F then begins to cure immediately upon contact. Within minutes the part is ready for the autoclave.
VacuSpray® MULTIPURPOSE & VERSATILE
The versatile characteristics of the VacuSpray® VIL compounds have proven to be an excellent material for solving other problems associated with the composite manufacturing process. The VacuSpray® compound can be used to build a semi rigid caul, used as a durable cover to protect finished parts during transport, even to preserve the working surface of tooling during long term storage.
VacuSpray® SEALING AT THE BOND LINE
There are various means for ensuring a positive, reliable seal at the bond line when using the VacuSpray® system. For single use applications, ACTR recommends the use of their latex-based primer on bare tool surface. The width of the primer strip may vary based on the size of the tool but on average approximately ½” to 1” is sufficient to provide a reliable seal.
After the autoclave cycle the bag is easily peeled off removing the primer layer with no remaining residue on the tool. Of course, the VacuSpray® VIL material is also compatible with tacky-tape which some users may still prefer on smaller tools.
