Category: Technical
The Key to Quality | Real Time Resin Degassing Measurement
In industries such as aerospace, wind energy and medical, where precision and integrity of composite materials are crucial, mastering fundamental processes like resin degassing is not just beneficial—it’s imperative.
Traditional degassing methods often fall short, offering only a snapshot of resin quality that can degrade significantly over time without continuous monitoring.
At Composite Integration, we recognise that to produce premium quality parts, the measurement and control of resin degassing must be precise and relentless. Our state-of-the-art degassing measurement technology is designed to overcome the inherent limitations of conventional methods, ensuring that every component not only meets but exceeds the rigorous standards of reliability and precision required in quality composite manufacturing.
Why Degassing is Essential for Quality Composite Manufacture
In sectors such as aerospace, wind energy and medical, where structural integrity can dictate the success of large-scale projects, the integrity of composite materials cannot be compromised. Trapped gases in resin systems can lead to voids or defects that significantly diminish the mechanical properties and durability of components.
Effective degassing, especially when monitored in real-time by advanced technology, ensures the production of high-quality and structurally sound composites. This is particularly crucial in vacuum infusion processes, where resin is introduced and cured under low pressure and must be thoroughly degassed to adhere to the stringent quality standards required by these applications.
The Importance of Degassing Measurement
Degassing may ensure initial resin quality. However, our CIJECT systems extend this capability by continuously measuring and maintaining resin quality, ensuring it remains at its peak throughout the manufacturing process. This gives Engineers the confidence and data to know the resin’s optimal state from preparation right though to infusion.
Comparing Laminate Quality: The Impact of Degassing
The Images below showcase infused laminates manufactured using our degassing measurement technology. The impeccable quality that is achieved is clear to see.
Impeccable quality achieved when using proper techniques.
A close up of a glass epoxy infusion – correct processing and
good degassing, delivering a flawless laminate.
Correctly degassed resins, constantly monitored and maintained by CIJECT technology, produce laminates with negligible void content, exemplifying the superior quality achievable with our advanced methods.
Typical data from a CIJECT 5 after a period of degassing can be seen below. Data gives the user a clear guide as to when the resin is ready.
Here you can see typical data from an epoxy resin sample in the lab which has been degassed & left to “age” or re-gas over time. This phenomenon is well known, but can now be measured.
Enhance Process Control in Composite Manufacturing
Our sensing technology’s accuracy in measuring the degassing of resins responds to the industry’s demand for quality.
The CIJECT series enhanced with cutting edge hardware and software, offers clear, actionable data that enables engineers to maintain precise control over the entire manufacturing process.
Precision Data – No More Guesswork
Our systems not only measure the initial degree of degassing but also monitor the resin’s behaviour over time.
This capability is crucial for applications where material properties must be predictably consistent, allowing for precise control over the infusion timing and eliminating the guesswork in component quality.
“Engineers can condition resin with confidence it will not regass, as our measurement technology enables them to monitor exactly what’s happening over time. They have complete control from preparation to infusion.”
Tim Searle – R&D Director, Composite Integration
A Commitment to Excellence in Composite Manufacture
At Composite Integration, our commitment to advancing technology through continuous innovation ensures that our clients always stay ahead of the curve.
Our measurement technology has been developed in response to our customers’ demand, and following significant Research & Development. These systems are not merely an enhancement—it’s a fundamental shift in how quality composite manufacture is achieved and maintained across multiple industries.
CIJECT resin mixing & injection with integrated degassing measurement.
The crossover from RTM to Resin Infusion – Composite Integration
The crossover from RTM to Resin Infusion
In an article originally published in Reinforced Plastics Magazine in October 2008, Stephen Leonard-Williams explains how Composite Integration and Princess Yachts have been developing new methods of process control for resin transfer moulding (RTM) processes.