Water-based silicone elastomer enables clean, near-net shape fabrication
CAMX 2025: Technology Marketing Inc. presents its Armor-Vac 1K single-component elastomer that excels in complex molds and 3D surfaces, and enables effective composites processing.
Source | Technology Marketing Inc.
Technology Marketing Inc. (TMI, Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S.) showcases its advanced Sprayomer technology, which powers the company’s Armor-Vac elastomer reusable vacuum bags/membranes. They feature a new 1K water-based silicone elastomer alongside its proven bio-based 1K natural rubber. These seamless, single-component elastomers support near-net-shape fabrication in composites manufacturing — streamlining labor, boosting throughput and advancing sustainability.
The Armor-Vac 1K silicone elastomer is an aqueous emulsion of pre-polymerized silicone particles stabilized in water. Each particle contains a cross-linked silicone network suspended in a surfactant-stabilized system, providing long shelf life and optimal formulation stability. As water evaporates during application, the silicone particles coalesce into a continuous, flexible film that cures into a strong, durable elastomer layer, ideal for complex molds and 3D surfaces.
This system delivers a clean, user-friendly alternative to traditional 2K silicones, eliminating in-process mixing, contamination risks and silicone migration — critical concerns in aerospace and composites fabrication. The cured material is lighter and more chemically stable than 2K elastomers and supports composite cure cycles up to 400°F (204°C). A key differentiator is its high performance with epoxy resins and prepregs, where 2K systems often fall short.
Applied with TMI’s 1K QuickMold/Airmix spray system, the formulation enables consistent and sustainable elastomer membrane creation. It’s also compatible with collapsible liner cup spray guns, brushing or rolling. The Spayomer 1K natural rubber system, protected under multiple U.S. patents, remains a go-to for manufacturers seeking zero-VOC, bio-based sustainable solutions with up to 80% weight savings over 2K materials, offering optimized, user-friendly debulking solutions that TMI says other RVBs cannot match.
Custom debulk table systems are available with flat-sheet or 3D-shaped membranes, with optional heating. Armor-Vac 1K silicone also supports net-shape tailored fiber placement heater systems, enabling precise in situ thermal control.
Related Content
-
Wireless strain measurement system for die-cast and injection molding
CAMX 2023: Gefran introduces the QE2008-W, a non-invasive, magnetically mounted strain solution with Bluetooth transmission that uses sensors to accurately measure and maintain equipment quality.
-
Exacting chemistry streamlines composite surface prep
CAMX 2025: Hawkeye Industries exhibits Duratec, Styrosafe, Styroshield and Aqua-Buff brands for optimal composites coating, compounds and polish solutions options.
-
VIDEO: Recycling and machining carbon fiber scraps
Elevated Materials has partnered with ‪Toray Composite Materials America, Inc. to collect and upcycle reclaimed carbon fiber scraps into large billet laminates, which can then be cut into various parts using CNC mills.