Similar to RTM, Vacuum Assisted Resin Transfer Molding (VARTM) is typically an open-top mold composite part fabricating method that attaches a vacuum bag to the top of the mold tool and applies vacuum to assist the continuous flow of low-pressure infused resin from one side of the mold to the other. Vacuum removes air from the preform and assists the VARTM machine’s on-ratio metered and mixed flow of degassed air-free resin through the compressed composite fiber preforms below the vacuum bag. The DeSantis Mechatronics VARTM process can provide a 60 to 70% fiber to resin ratio with near zero void content.
Products Manufactured — with this application:
- Aircraft Fuselage Sections
- Aircraft Landing Gear Doors
- Large Composite Panels
- Wind Turbine Blades
- High Fiber Content Parts
- Low Void Content Parts
- Carbon Fiber
Reactive Thermoset Resins Processed - (Epoxies, Polyurethanes, Polyesters, Vinyl Esters, Silicones and Polyimids):
- Unfilled, Reactive Thermoset Resins
- Heated or Room-Temperature
- 2 to 8 – Metered Components
Industries Using These Resin Dispensing Machine Processes:
- Aerospace
- Marine
- Wind Energy
- Industrial
- Recreational
- Automotive
- Medical
Each of these DeSantis Mechatronics Dispensing Systems optionally include:
- Vacuum Control System – for precise vacuum level control in the degassing tanks and in the VARTM mold.
- Transducers – monitor and digitally control mixed resin pressure in the mold.
- Programmed PLC or PC-Controllers with Touchscreen Interface
- Digital User-Presets for Ratio, Shot-Size, Output-Rate, Temperatures, Vacuum Levels and Mixer Speed.
- Batch Material Preparation Tanks – apply heat, agitation and vacuum to the materials in batches
- or Continuous Thin Film Degassers – heat, agitate and degas materials on-the-fly.
- Rotary Gear Metering Pumps or Piston Metering Pumps
- Digital, Servomotor Drives for the Metering Pumps or Wedge-Driven Piston Metering Pumps
- Mass Flowmeters or Mechanical Flow Meters
- Static or Dynamic Mixers
- Purge Systems
- Data Logger
- Vacuum Pumps