Premixed Epoxy

low viscosity epoxy infusion epoxy, first I heard of it. Probably what they use on prepregs.
http://www.hexcel.com/user_area/content_media/raw/HiFlow_HF610_DataSheet.pdf

Seems like you could use this in a variety of ways including spraying without worry of kicking off in the gun! Imagine spraying your panels, vacuum bagging and sending them into the oven. Saves quite a bit of setup time )) ... of course you would need to have a fresh air supply breathing system and protective suit.

 

Anyone know of a facility where one could vacuum bag their hull, and oven cure it?
What is the purpose of Vacuum bagging a lay-up anyways?

 

Vacuum bags make very good clamps over large of iregular surfaces.
In hand layups a blotter that absorbs excess resin is placed between lamination and bag.
In infusion, dry cloth is held to mould and resin if sucked into the very small gap between mould and bag

 

better glass to resin ratio

 

Is a home builder able to manage vacuum bagging for their hull. And if so, up to what length would be feasible?

 

Vacuum bagging is not beyond home builders. Does take additional equipment and supplies.

There are several threads on this forum dedicated to vac bags. Read them. Learn from other's mistakes. Do test panels. Lots of tests until you confident.

I think the greatest advantage of vac bags to the amateur is that it forces them to plan it out more. All the ducks must be lined up to be successful. Rushing to get started and thinking "I'll figure it out when I get there"DOESN'T work with a bag

As with all building techniques, starting with a small project before trying large ones is an excellent idea! Another way to gain experience and insite would be to volunteer on another's bag up. That way your mistakes ruin someone else's day.

 

If you are truly serious, then learn infusion. Learn on some small parts and then you will have the POWER!! )

 

I would need a 34’ long oven.

Infusion is definitely the best way to go.

My resin losses vac/wet bagging are very high amd the process ends up with some air bubbles on the table side if a few variables are not just perfect. Mainly any bag leak. With infusion; bag leak discovery is not under a time crunch.

I don’t mean to hijack. The product definitely has a place.

Systems 3 makes an epoxy with a 3 hour cure time, but it requires about 90F to cure in 24 hours. Probably similar.... They told me they make it for use in Abu Dhabi.

 

See Amateur Boat Building ---> Building a F-39 trimaran with Controlled Vacuum Infusion

Building an Ian Farrier designed F-39 Trimaran ---> Fram's Blog​

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