Films, Peel Ply, & Tapes

At Fibre Glast, we carry a full selection of professional-grade Vacuum Bagging Materials:

• Bagging Film -- Bagging film is a must-have for every vacuum bagging lay-up in order to seal your lamination from air. Our selection includes the popular Stretchlon^® 200 and 800 series, Nylon options, and a Polyethylene tube format.
• Peel Ply -- This is another necessity for removing your part from the bagging system once it has cured. Peel ply is usually selected based the surface finish you want to leave on your part. We offer Nylon and Polyester varieties.
• Release Film -- Release film is used to make it easier to pull bagging materials from your set-up once the process is complete. It is not necessary, but helpful. It also helps to remove or maintain resin for the part during the lay-up process. Choose from low-temperature and high-temperature styles, perforated and non-perforated.
• Breather-Bleeder -- As a breather, it allows vacuum pressure to be applied evenly across the surface of the laminate. As a bleeder, it absorbs excess resin. It is available in various weights.
• Shrink Tape -- Shrink Tape creates mechanical pressure with applied heat and without vacuum.
• Sealant and Flash Tape -- Use to secure bagging films to molds, and to secure other materials within your lay-up.

Films, peel-plys, breather-bleeder cloth and tapes play important roles in the vacuum bagging process for composite manufacturing. Here is an overview of their functions:

1. Films: Vacuum bagging films are used to create an airtight seal over the composite layup during the curing process. The films are typically made of flexible and heat-resistant materials. Their primary function is to create a vacuum-tight barrier around the composite part, enabling the application of pressure and facilitating the removal of excess air and volatiles from the laminate. Films also protect the composite part and other vacuum bagging materials from contamination and damage.
   • Release Films: Release films are placed directly on top of the composite layup to prevent the vacuum bagging materials from sticking to the surface of the part during the curing process. They are usually made of materials like polyethylene or polyester, and they allow for easy release and demolding of the cured composite part.
   • Bagging Films: Bagging films are used to create the vacuum seal around the part and the layup. They are typically stretchable and conformable to the shape of the part, ensuring a tight and secure fit. Bagging films can be clear or opaque and are often heat-resistant to withstand the elevated temperatures during the curing process.
2. Peel-Plys: Peel-plys are lightweight fabrics that are placed on top of the composite layup before applying the vacuum bagging materials. Their main purpose is to create a textured surface on the composite, which facilitates the removal of excess resin, improves the bonding surface for secondary bonding operations, and helps achieve a more consistent surface finish. Peel-plys have a release treatment to prevent sticking to the cured laminate.
3. Breather Bleeder Cloth: Breather bleeder cloth, also known as breather fabric or simply breather, is a porous material placed on top of the peel-ply layer. It serves the following purposes:
   • Air and Volatile Escape: The porous nature of breather bleeder cloth allows air and volatiles to escape from the composite layup during the vacuum bagging and curing process.
   • Resin Flow Pathway: The breather fabric helps distribute the applied vacuum evenly across the composite part and allows the resin to flow through the fabric.
4. Tapes: Various types of tapes are used in vacuum bagging to secure and seal the vacuum bagging materials. Some commonly used tapes include:
   • Sealant Tapes: Sealant tapes are used to create an airtight seal around the edges of the vacuum bagging film. They are typically made of materials like silicone or butyl rubber and are applied along the perimeter of the part to prevent air leakage during the vacuum bagging process.
   • Vacuum Line Tapes: Vacuum line tapes are used to secure and seal the vacuum lines or hoses that connect the part to the vacuum source. They ensure a tight connection and prevent air leakage during the vacuum bagging process.

Overall, films, peel-plys, breather-bleeder cloth and tapes are essential components of the vacuum bagging process in composite manufacturing. They help create an airtight environment, remove excess air and volatiles, facilitate resin flow, and improve the surface finish and bonding characteristics of the final composite part. Proper selection and application of these materials are important for achieving high-quality, void-free laminates and successful composite curing.

All Vacuum Bagging Materials are meant to be thrown away once they have been used. Let us help you keep your supplies stocked: we offer same day shipping!

You can place your order right here on our website or, if you have any questions, call 1.800.838.8984 | 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. EST Mon-Fri.