Vacuum Bagging Carbon - V2 - Edge-Sealed Bagging¶
Goal¶
To enable vacuum bagging of larger parts by sealing a cut vacuum bag directly to the laminating base using butyl tape, while achieving a controlled and measurable vacuum level.
Specifications / Dimensions¶
- Suitable for medium to large parts (size limited only by base and bag film availability)
- Target vacuum level: ~80% atmospheric pressure
- Requires a rigid, smooth laminating base for edge sealing
Time needed¶
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Implementation | 0.75 h |
| Waiting | 0 h |
Bill of Materials¶
| Material | Quantity | Unit Cost | Line Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vacuum Bagging Kit Reusable Manual pump with heavy-duty storage bags for low-cost vacuum pulls |
1 kit | £9.00 per kit | £9.00 |
| Butyl Sealing Tape Consumable Continuous bead around the laminating base |
0.4 15 m roll (12 mm) | £6.50 per 15 m roll (12 mm) | £2.60 |
| Breather Cloth Consumable Under-bag airflow path and resin catch |
0.6 m (1 m wide) | £12.00 per 5 m pack (1 m wide) | £1.44 |
| Total | £13.04 |
Tools Required¶
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Metal roller or rounded tool | Press the butyl sealing tape firmly to the base |
| DIY Vacuum gauge | Estimate when vacuum reaches 80% atmospheric pressure |
| Scissors | Cut materials like fabric, film, or templates to size |
| Window cleaner | Degrease surfaces before bonding or sealing |
See this page for how to make a DIY Vacuum Gauge: Trapped Balloon Vacuum Gauge
Instructions (step-by-step)¶
- Clean the laminating base edges thoroughly using a cloth and window cleaner to ensure the butyl tape adheres properly.
- Cut a sheet of vacuum bag film with sufficient margin to cover the part completely on all sides.
- Apply a continuous strip of butyl sealing tape along the edges of the laminating base.
- Lay the vacuum bag film over the base, pressing it firmly into the butyl tape to create an airtight seal.
- Ensure the vacuum valve is positioned away from critical laminate parts such as the free blade.
- Arrange breather cloth around the part to support airflow under the bag, and place an extra layer beneath the valve.
- Pump manually while monitoring the gauge, stopping once ~80% atmospheric pressure (-0.2 bar) is achieved.
- Check for leaks by verifying the gauge holds steady for at least 10 minutes. If vacuum drops, inspect and reseal the edges as needed.
Limitations¶
- Requires a clean and smooth base surface for proper sealing; dust, grease, or moisture will cause leaks
- More setup time compared to enclosed bagging