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SWORL (Hutto, Texas, U.S.) has developed a new tool for use in the vacuum sealing of reusable silicone bags (membranes, foils). The proprietary, reusable sealing profile can be easily added to existing or new molds for forming redundant vacuum-tight seals between tool flanges and production-friendly SWORL spray-applied, reusable silicone vacuum bags. These advantages eliminate open molding, disposable bags or heavy upper molds, scrap parts, and excess resin consumption and voids. Demonstrations of the spray-fabricated vacuum bags and sealing technology will be demonstrated at SWORL’s booth.

Based on SWORL’s proven V-groove sealing technology, this new product is capable of reducing the time required to perfect a vacuum seal and contributes to more efficient manufacturing of void-free composite parts with high glass content that are processed via oven, autoclave or infusion. The new product is also ideal for creating robust silicone bags with high-integrity vacuum seals on legacy tooling or molds with narrow flanges; the seals are said to meet and exceed aerospace vacuum requirements for leak tests and eliminate blown bags due to bridging or pin holes. This new seal dramatically reduces the time needed to perfect a needed vacuum seal for infusion as well, according to SWORL.

SWORL reusable silicone vacuum bags are spray-made to net shape, reducing labor time when installing or removing and reducing resin waste, increasing part strength while also improving part quality. Moreover, they are lightweight for easy handling and tear-resistant for long life.