Laminating resin – laminating system

Description of the laminating process with laminating resin

Laminating resin is applied onto fiberglass. Previously, a mold release agent is sprayed onto the mold surface to facilitate easy removal of the finished part.

Lamination steps:

1. The mold is coated with a release agent.

2. Then gelcoat is poured over it to achieve a desirable surface quality and appearance for the part.

3. Fibers are placed on or in the mold. Resin is poured over them by hand and fully impregnated using a brush or roller.

4. It is also possible to pre-impregnate the fibers with resin before layering.

5. Trapped air bubbles in the part are removed by moving the brush or roller and pressing the fibers.

6. Layering and impregnation continue until the desired thickness is achieved.

7. The part is usually cured at ambient pressure and temperature. Curing time can be adjusted using a catalyst and accelerator.

History of hand lay-up: Hand lay-up was invented around the 1940s, and materials and methods have not changed significantly since then. Hand lay-up still depends on the skill of the worker.

Applications of laminating in the composite industry:

• Marine industries

• Boats and vessels

• Domes (radomes)

• Water channels, swimming pools, tanks

• Tables and chairs, equipment for corrosive environments, automotive parts, cabins and prefabricated houses, fiberglass sheets

• Prototyping and composite molds