A new cost-saving vacuum infusion process for fiber-reinforced composites: Pulsed infusion

An innovative vacuum infusion technology for the manufacturing of fiber reinforced thermoset based composites has been developed. Pulsed infusion is a double bag vacuum infusion process that is based on the use of a proper designed reusable pressure distributor. An average increase of 9% for the flexural modulus and of 24 % for flexural strength has been assessed for pulse manufactured composites compared to traditional vacuum infusion ones. Due to a minor consumption of resin and to the absence of resin distribution net, pulse infusion provides a material cost-saving advantage of 19% and a significant waste reduction.