Advantages and disadvantages of Vacuum infusion - Complete Guide

The Vacuum Infusion Process (VIP) is a cost-effective method for producing high-quality composite parts. VIP offers several advantages, including superior quality, better consistency, and higher glass content, which result in increased specific strength and stiffness. Additionally, it provides an excellent interior finish, faster cycle times, and lower costs.

VIP employs vacuum pressure to drive resin into a laminate. Initially, materials are laid dry into the mold, and a vacuum is applied before introducing resin. Once a complete vacuum is achieved, resin is drawn into the laminate through carefully placed tubing, a process aided by various supplies and materials.

The first step in VIP involves loading fabric fibers and core materials into the mold. This stage also allows for the inclusion of ribs, inserts, and other components without resin. The dry material is then sealed closed using a vacuum bag or a counter mold. A high vacuum pump is used to remove all air from the cavity, consolidating the fiber and core materials. While still under vacuum, resin is infused into the mold cavity to wet out the fabric fibers and core.

Although the vacuum infusion process is conceptually simple, it necessitates detailed planning and process design to ensure parts are infused efficiently and without dry spots. The infusion rate depends on factors such as resin viscosity, flow distance, media permeability, and the vacuum level. Therefore, selecting appropriate materials, flow media, resin flow layout, and vacuum port locations is crucial for producing high-quality parts.

One of the significant advantages of VIP is the creation of laminates with very high fiber content—up to 70% fibers by weight—resulting in parts that are exceptionally strong and stiff while maintaining minimal weight. Additionally, VIP is an efficient manufacturing process for complex laminates with multiple plies of fibers and core materials.

It is important to note that every project is unique, and the steps discussed here provide a general sequence of events for vacuum infusion only, rather than the only available options.

Advantages of VIP

Higher fiber-to-resin ratio (up to 70% fibers by weight), leading to greater strength and stiffness
Very low void content due to the elimination of trapped air
Highly consistent laminates with excellent process control, reducing human errors
Minimal part shrinkage and good surface quality
Ability to efficiently laminate complex parts with multiple layers of fibers, ribs, inserts, and cores
Cleaner manufacturing process with no volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions
Faster production cycle times

Disadvantages of VIP

Higher tooling costs
More expensive materials
Need for some disposable supplies
More complicated setup process to determine optimal vacuum and resin flow locations
Risk of part scrappage if there is a vacuum leak
Potential for fabric print-through on the surface, though a barrier coat can improve the finish

When and Why to Use the VIP Process

Vacuum infusion is an excellent mid-range composite manufacturing process that offers a great balance of cost, quality, and efficiency. It’s a versatile technique that can be used with a variety of common thermoset resins.

Compared to open molding or hand layup, VIP makes it much easier to incorporate core materials into the laminate, resulting in higher-performance parts. The improved fiber-to-resin ratio and reduction in voids also lead to significantly greater strength and stiffness.

The main reasons not to use VIP are if the process is too slow, too expensive, or the final part needs to be very lightweight. In these cases, other technologies like compression molding, RTM, or prepregs may be better suited.

VIP is an ideal choice unless you have a compelling reason to use a different process. The decreased exposure to hazardous resins, increased laminate performance, and ability to build complex cored parts all at once make VIP an excellent option for composite manufacturing.