Vacuum infusion Question

[Mihajlo]

I would like to start the production of sailing yachts in sizes from 45 to 65 feet. I am going to use the vacuum infusion technique in creating the hull and I am interested if someone has any suggestion of which materials should I use. I am also interested in up to which sizes can pvc foams be used.

[jonsailor]

I do a lot of infusion and thoroughly love it.
Big trick.........GP46?? (I hope I got that right) pvc foam from DIAB.
there are many ways to create a resin transfer medium but this is good.
Only down fall is not weight efficient unless you are using over 1200grms of glass each side. On a 45ft plus yacht....no problem.
We give a bit of a run down on our website www.sayerdesign.com

[Mihajlo]

Why exactly do you use this product from diab instead, for example some product from sp system. I heard that they are quite good

[jonsailor]

I guess I prefer this method because it is the only system I can see the flow rate being able to keep up with cure times. I am not honestly aware of what SP are pushing but a company like that would not dive into the system without fully testing the out come??
There has been many other flow mediums that we used years ago but this foam seems to give the best results.
I could be wrong, but I would suspect that SP may indeed use this foam, but with there own resin and fabrioc systems

[Mihajlo]

Thank you very much, you have been of a great help.

I was wandering if you can also prefer some vacuum pumps that you have tested and you consider them the best for such kind of job.

[jonsailor]

Well mentioned, yes, you must have a good FULL vacuum pump of the wet vane style. The dry vane pumps are not good enough. The process although very good, must have complete vacuum with no air leaks. We turn off the pump, and make sure it can hold a full test for 15 minutes.
The volume of the pump is not greatly important except for getting rid of the bulk air in the bag first which can be done with a vacuum cleaner. Being such an important process, it pays to have a back up pump and power source.
I could write a book on this but see your suppliers and they should be able to direct you.
good luck

[Mihajlo]

thank you very much. if I will have any further questions I hope I will hear from you again