Fibre Glast Teams up with Gurit - Ampreg 30 and Ampreg 31 Epoxy Systems
By Fibre Glast Technical TeamShare
Fibre Glast has teamed up with Gurit to add two epoxy wet laminating systems for manufacturing and repairing large composite structures: Ampreg 30 Low-Viscosity Epoxy Wet Laminating Resin and Ampreg 31 Epoxy Wet Laminating Resin.
Both systems are designed for hand layup and vacuum bagging, making them relevant to wind turbine blade repair crews, composite manufacturers, and other professionals working with large laminates. Although they share several important characteristics, each offers distinct processing advantages.
What Are Ampreg 30 and Ampreg 31?
Ampreg 30 and Ampreg 31 are epoxy wet laminating systems developed for large composite structures. Both systems offer:
- Compatibility with hand layup and vacuum bagging processes
- Strong laminate mechanical and thermal properties
- Ambient-temperature curing with improved performance available through post-curing
- Multiple hardener speeds for different working-time requirements
- A consistent resin-to-hardener mix ratio across the standard Ampreg 3X hardener range
- Bio-based carbon content
- Gurit Light Reflective Technology
- Lloyd’s Register and DNV certification
For wind turbine blade repair applications, the choice between Ampreg 30 and Ampreg 31 primarily depends on the reinforcement, laminate orientation, repair geometry, processing conditions, and approved repair procedure.
Ampreg 30: Low Viscosity for Easier Reinforcement Wet-Out
Ampreg 30 Low-Viscosity Epoxy Wet Laminating Resin is formulated with a relatively low initial mixed viscosity. This promotes efficient wet-out of heavyweight reinforcements and helps the resin move through dense or substantial fabric constructions.
These characteristics make Ampreg 30 particularly useful when technicians need a laminating resin that can thoroughly wet heavier fiberglass or other reinforcement materials used in large composite structures.
Key Ampreg 30 Features
- Low initial mixed viscosity
- Easy wet-out of heavyweight reinforcements
- Designed for hand layup and vacuum bagging
- Good cure progression from ambient-temperature cures
- Tough resin matrix with strong laminate properties
- Up to 34% bio-based carbon content in the resin
- Tested in high-humidity environments
- Available with multiple hardener speeds
Shop Ampreg 30 Low-Viscosity Epoxy Wet Laminating Resin
Ampreg 31: Balanced Wet-Out and Drainage Resistance
Ampreg 31 Epoxy Wet Laminating Resin balances effective fabric wet-out with increased resistance to resin drainage. This is particularly valuable when laminating vertical or steeply oriented surfaces, where excessive resin movement can make it more difficult to maintain a consistent laminate.
Wind turbine blade repair technicians frequently work on curved, vertical, overhead, or otherwise challenging surfaces. Ampreg 31’s balance of wet-out and drainage resistance can provide greater control during these applications.
Key Ampreg 31 Features
- Viscosity optimized for fabric wet-out
- Good drainage resistance on vertical surfaces
- Designed for hand layup and vacuum bagging
- Strong mechanical and thermal properties
- Tough resin matrix
- Up to 32% bio-based carbon content in the resin
- Tested in high-humidity environments
- Available with multiple hardener speeds
Shop Ampreg 31 Epoxy Wet Laminating Resin
Ampreg 30 vs. Ampreg 31: Which Should You Choose?
The central difference between the two systems is their processing viscosity.
Choose Ampreg 30 when low viscosity and easy wet-out of heavyweight reinforcement are the primary considerations.
Choose Ampreg 31 when the repair requires effective fabric wet-out with greater resistance to resin drainage, particularly on vertical or angled surfaces.
| Consideration | Ampreg 30 | Ampreg 31 |
|---|---|---|
| Primary processing advantage | Low initial mixed viscosity | Balanced wet-out and drainage resistance |
| Reinforcement wet-out | Especially suited to heavyweight reinforcements | Good general fabric wet-out |
| Vertical-surface application | May flow more readily because of its lower viscosity | Better suited when drainage control is important |
| Application methods | Hand layup and vacuum bagging | Hand layup and vacuum bagging |
| Standard mix ratio by weight | 100:26 | 100:26 |
| Bio-based carbon content | Up to 34% | Up to 32% |
| Certification | Lloyd’s Register and DNV | Lloyd’s Register and DNV |
Product selection should always follow the applicable blade manufacturer’s repair instructions, engineering requirements, and approved material specifications.
Multiple Hardener Speeds for Different Working Conditions
Both epoxy systems can be paired with compatible Ampreg hardeners offering different working and cure times. This allows users to select a hardener based on factors such as:
- Repair size and laminate thickness
- Ambient temperature
- Required working time
- Crew size and application method
- Vacuum-bagging schedule
- Planned cure or post-cure conditions
Accurate measurement and thorough mixing are essential. Always consult the product technical data and safety data before beginning a repair.
Light Reflective Technology Supports Better Work-Site Hygiene
Ampreg 30 and Ampreg 31 incorporate Gurit Light Reflective Technology. When exposed to a suitable UV light source, uncured resin contamination fluoresces, helping technicians identify small droplets or areas of contamination during cleanup.
This technology can support post-work inspection and better industrial hygiene by making uncured epoxy easier to detect before it is transferred beyond the immediate work area. It does not replace proper personal protective equipment, handling procedures, or workplace safety practices.
Epoxy Systems for Professional Wind Turbine Blade Repair
Wind turbine blades are exposed to rain, hail, ultraviolet radiation, temperature changes, airborne debris, and continuous cyclic loading. Effective repairs require composite materials selected for the blade design, damaged area, approved repair procedure, and operating environment.
The addition of Ampreg 30 and Ampreg 31 expands Fibre Glast’s selection of professional wind turbine blade repair materials, including reinforcement fabrics, epoxy systems, adhesives, core materials, vacuum bagging supplies, fillers, fairing compounds, and repair consumables.
Fibre Glast has supplied first-quality composite materials for almost 70 years. Most in-stock products ordered by 2:30 p.m. ET ship the same business day, helping maintenance teams keep scheduled and time-sensitive repair projects moving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Ampreg 30 and Ampreg 31 suitable for wind turbine blade repair?
Both systems are designed for hand layup and vacuum bagging of large composite structures and may be suitable for wind turbine blade repair when permitted by the applicable OEM procedure, engineering specification, or approved repair plan.
What is the main difference between Ampreg 30 and Ampreg 31?
Ampreg 30 has a lower initial mixed viscosity designed to promote easy wet-out of heavyweight reinforcement. Ampreg 31 combines good fabric wet-out with greater drainage resistance for vertical and angled surfaces.
Can these epoxy systems be vacuum bagged?
Yes. Ampreg 30 and Ampreg 31 are designed for both hand layup and vacuum bagging processes.
Do Ampreg 30 and Ampreg 31 cure at ambient temperature?
Both systems can develop good mechanical properties through an ambient-temperature cure. A controlled elevated-temperature post-cure can improve their mechanical and thermal performance. Follow the appropriate technical data sheet for required cure conditions.
Do both systems use the same mix ratio?
With the standard Ampreg 3X Fast, Standard, Slow, and Extra-Slow hardeners, both systems use a 100:26 resin-to-hardener mix ratio by weight. Specialty hardeners may require a different ratio, so always verify the instructions for the exact combination being used.
Where can I find other wind turbine blade repair products?
Explore Fibre Glast’s complete selection of composite materials for wind turbine blade repair.