Resin infusion: Questions on mold temperature maximum and curing temperature maximum

[ahender]

Tomorrow I will finally infuse the 12' canoe I have been working on for years. I'm going to preheat the mold and I want to elevate the temperature some during the curing process.
What is the ideal temperature I should aim for regarding the mold? The resin I am using has a cps of 600 so I think it needs to thin some once it hits the mold.
I also want to elevate the temperature once the infusion has completed. Is there a limit as to what this temperature can be?
Thanks again for offering such a great resource for those with limited knowledge in this area.
Alan

 

[ondarvr]

That information can be very resin specific, the resin supplier should be able to supply all that info.

 

[ahender]

That information can be very resin specific, the resin supplier should be able to supply all that info.

Thanks for replying. My question has to do with the time immediately after the infusion has completed. Should the cure temperature be within a certain range or can it be 100+ degrees to speed up the process?

Alan

 

[fallguy]

Thanks for replying. My question has to do with the time immediately after the infusion has completed. Should the cure temperature be within a certain range or can it be 100+ degrees to speed up the process?

Alan

I would avoid the 100 degree idea. Keep the ambient at 75-80F. Check the mfg for post cure options.

Noone can offer any more specific help without knowing the resin system.

 

[ondarvr]

Again, it can be very resin/hardener specific.

Virtually all epoxy laminates benefit from being post cured, the post cure schedule is recommended by the supplier.

And when I say supplier I don't mean the guy you bought it from. You need the actual data sheet and recommendations from the formulator/blender.

 

[ahender]

Again, it can be very resin/hardener specific.

Virtually all epoxy laminates benefit from being post cured, the post cure schedule is recommended by the supplier.

And when I say supplier I don't mean the guy you bought it from. You need the actual data sheet and recommendations from the formulator/blender.

The epoxy retailer is US Composites and there is no detailed information on the resin other than the following:

Mixing Ratio by Volume: 2:1
Pot Life: 35-40 Min @ 80F
Set Time: 5-6 Hours
Drying Time: 24-28 Hours

 

[ondarvr]

If you want to do more than just a generic post cure you'll need to get the details from their supplier. Us Composites should have it on hand though.

How do you plan to heat the mold?

 

[ahender]

If you want to do more than just a generic post cure you'll need to get the details from their supplier. Us Composites should have it on hand though.

How do you plan to heat the mold?

I will use two oil radiator heaters inside the mold and cover with blankets. I will do a generic post cure.

 

[fallguy]

Seems like the viscosity of the resin is a bit high. I'd be more worried about flow than fast cure.

No infusion experience, but was gonna try some and my resin is Silvertip at 700 cps at ?75F? They told me I'd need to warm the resin. You might want to do some tests because if you warm a 35 minute resin above 80F for flow; it'll kick faster. Depending upon how you intend to flow; it may matter.