VRTM (RTM Light) Dinghy Production
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- čas přidán 27. 10. 2014
- This video shows the moulding of a 3 metre dinghy using the VRTM process (L-RTM or RTM Light)
This method allows the moulding of integral foam cores and results in a smooth moulded internal finish and consistently accurate laminate thickness.
You can compare this process with exactly the same dinghy being moulded by the resin infusion process if you follow this link:
• Resin Infusion of 3m D... - Věda a technologie
Beautiful. Do I understand correctly that for boat optimizing total weight vacuum infusion using a silicon top mold would be better than RTM light to have more fiber per weight?
I'm just curious. Of course it's possible that with the need for ballast on a sailboat this really doesn't matter since you even want a bit of weight in the hull.
And for a dingy... it's probably more important to be able to easily keep it clean :D
An 'infusion' type process (either with a reusable silicone bag or a conventional disposable vacuum bag) could result in a thinner laminate with a higher fibre content but this would depend on the type of fibre being used and the other process parameters.
With a vacuum bag one can use flow-mesh to accelerate the resin over the compacted fibre so you're not depending entirely on lateral flow.
However, the laminate achievable in this type of RTM process is perfectly adequate for this application and, as you point out, the smooth inner surface is a big advantage!
Do you have any photographs of the interior? What resin system was used and how long was the resin cure time before de-moulding? Thanks for any info. regards
Hi Jack
I could provide some photos of the inside surface if you can send an email address. We used a standard Scott Bader injection grade polyester and it was left in the mould for about 45 minutes after the end of the injection to cure.
(by the way, are you the ex-Falmouth student who designed the hull??)
+Compositeinteg1
I am the Ex-Falmouth student! I am working at Solent University now. My email is Jack.cunningham-burley@solent.ac.uk
Glad to see the progression of the project.
Thanks againJack
No problem- I'll send you some photos when I get a minute.
The project has been very useful and we use it as a way to compare traditional infusion with the VRTM process.
The VRTM hull is certainly a far more 'finished' moulding as it includes a foam core around the gunwale and has a nice smooth surface inside. We will be working on a mould to make the internal seat/floor structure and aim to have some of these on the water in 2016!
Feel free to come and have a look if you're passing.