Expo-Net promotes 100% recyclable hybrid resin flow mesh
Greenflow HM-P16 supports the need for high vacuum infusion productivity of very large FRP composite parts without compromising quality.
Close-up of Greenflow HM-P16 hybrid flow mesh product, showing the pink perforated P16 release film bonded to the underside of Expo-Net’s green resin flow mesh. Source (All Images) | Expo-Net Danmark A/S
(Hjørring, Denmark) is promoting its range of extruded thermoplastic resin flow meshes, which improve infusion molding productivity and the quality of large fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) components. The company is also highlighting Greenflow HM-P16, a novel high-productivity “hybrid” flow mesh product.
Greenflow HM-P16 was developed in collaboration with a release film producer. One hundred percent recyclable, the hybrid flow mesh combines Expo-Net’s precision extruded green polypropylene (PP) resin flow mesh with a perforated PP release film, coextruded in a standard pink color; the film has a perforation hole diameter of ~0.5 mm, with holes spaced ~3.5 mm apart. The release film is bonded to the underside of the green resin flow mesh, so both the release film and the flow mesh are dry laid at the same time in the mold, a benefit to large infused part producers.
Expo-Net mold layup schematic of composite resin infusion, showing Greenflow HM-P16 with the pink, perforated P16 release film bonded to the underside of the green flow mesh. This enables both the release film and the flow mesh to be dry laid at the same time in the mold, saving production time.
Greenflow HM-P16 was developed in response to OEM customers in the wind energy and marine sectors who are constantly looking for ways to improve vacuum infusion productivity of very large FRP composite parts without compromising quality. Development trials successfully demonstrated that using Greenflow HM-P16 significantly reduces pre-infusion mold layup time; depending on the size and complexity of a component, several hours can be saved, improving productivity and reducing overall production costs, while still providing the quality benefits provided by resin flow meshes.
The perforated release film used for Greenflow HM products can be made from either PP or high-density polyethylene (HDPE). Depending on the specific infusion application and individual customer needs, the preferred release film type is bonded to either a standard or custom-made Expo-Net flow mesh grade.
Technical information about the resin flow meshes produced by Expo-Net, which includes comparative infusion time and resin flow data between different grades, is available in its “Vacuum Infusion Resin Flow Mesh Technical Processing Guide,” which helps manufacturers to better understand the rheological impact of a specific flow mesh in different sections of a mold and select the best flow mesh grades for the laminate design and shape of the FRP part being infused.
In addition to these products, Expo-Net provides flexible, responsive and reliable customer service. The business is committed to an ongoing program to improve sustainability and achieving net zero.
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