Always Use A Resin Trap With Vacuum Infusion

It may be obvious to most of you, but I have seen this mistake made by beginners and lazy “professionals” alike.

When using vacuum forming or vacuum infusion to mold your fiberglass and composite parts, always, always, always use a resin trap to keep excess resin from getting into your vacuum tank and / or vacuum pump and ruining your day!

A Resin Trap Can Save Your Equipment and Sanity

A vacuum trap can be little more than a thick jar or other air-tight container that is inserted between your vacuum source and the exit line(s) from your resin infused part.  The vacuum line goes into the trap and will allow excess resin to drip into the bottom of the container. The vacuum source is attached somewhere near the top of the trap so that it only sucks clean air, and not the excess resin.

Of course, you should make sure that the container you use for the trap is strong enough to withstand the vacuum pressure you draw without collapsing.  Likewise, you must ensure that your vacuum lines are sealed tightly to the trap to avoid leaks. A guage should also be put inline, on the vacuum side of the line or on the trap itself so that you can monitor for leakage and ensure that the vacuum holds.

Like I said, it may seem obvious, but I have seen and heard of many pumps and equipment ruined by novices or by fabricators trying to cut corners and time in making a part. Follow this rule and it can save you a lot of sanity and money in the long run.

:: Contact FGS, Inc. for all your custom fiberglass engineering needs.

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