Breather fabric, also known as breather cloth or breather ply, is a porous material used in composite manufacturing processes, particularly in vacuum bagging applications. It serves several important functions to ensure proper resin infusion, air evacuation, and achieving high-quality composite parts.
Breather fabric acts as a medium for resin infusion in composite layup processes. It is placed over the laminate or composite materials before applying the vacuum bagging materials. The porous structure of the breather fabric allows resin to flow through it, ensuring thorough impregnation of fibers and achieving uniform resin distribution.
During vacuum bagging, breather fabric provides pathways for air evacuation from the enclosed area. As vacuum pressure is applied, the fabric helps remove trapped air and excess resin, ensuring proper consolidation of the composite materials and minimizing the formation of voids or air bubbles.
Nylon Breather Fabric: Lightweight and commonly used in vacuum bagging applications due to its excellent air permeability and resistance to resin absorption.
Polyester Breather Fabric: Offers good heat resistance and is suitable for applications requiring higher temperatures or prolonged curing cycles.
Silicone-Coated Breather Fabric: Provides enhanced release properties and is used in applications where resin sticking to the breather fabric could be a concern.
Aerospace: Breather fabrics are extensively used in aerospace manufacturing for producing composite components such as aircraft panels, fairings, and structural parts. They ensure uniform resin distribution, air evacuation, and high-quality surface finishes.
Wind Energy: In the wind energy sector, breather fabrics are used in the production of composite blades for wind turbines. They facilitate resin infusion and air removal processes, contributing to the durability and efficiency of turbine blades.
Automotive: Automotive manufacturers utilize breather fabrics in the production of lightweight and strong composite parts for vehicles. These fabrics help achieve uniform resin distribution and ensure consistent mechanical properties in automotive components.
Marine: Breather fabrics play a vital role in boat building and marine applications to fabricate composite hulls, decks, and structural components. They contribute to achieving reliable resin infusion and structural integrity in marine-grade composites.
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