VARTM
VACUUM ASSISTED RESIN TRANSFER MOLDING, OR VARTM, PROVIDES A SOLUTION FOR MORE INTRICATE PARTS SUCH AS RADIUSED AND FLAT POLE COLLARS, SURGE RINGS, FLANGE RINGS, FAN BAFFLES, STATOR END CAPS, FLAT DISCS, AND RINGS.
VARTM molded composites are created where mechanical and dielectric strength are required in complex shapes and surfaces. Temperature ratings currently include 130°C and 155°C (Class B and F).
The Gund Company can produce various custom geometric shapes and sizes via the VARTM process. The composite resins and fabrics can also be altered to meet the application’s needs. Examples of this could include using different fabrics and reinforcing fibers such as an S-Glass, Carbon fiber, or Kevlar to create higher strength composites in complex shapes.
VARTM also provides fiber orientation contoured to the shape of the part. If a part is machined from a flat composite sheet, fibers are only oriented in the x-y plane, which can create weak spots in a 3-D contour.
ADVANTAGES OF VARTM
- It is adaptable in terms of tooling design and material selection
- Process bulky and complex composite parts with improved quality
- Mold may be easily altered to process various shapes
- Optimal wet out of the part due to vacuum process (i.e., eliminating air voids)
- Separately stored resin and catalyst can be combined just before resin infusion
- Low volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emissions occur only during the resin mixing process
- Structural and bearing strength advantage
