Mike Blyth and James Pitman, co-owners of South Africa-based The Airplane Factory, on Aug. 27 completed an around-the-world trip in the Sling, a sport aircraft they built that makes significant use of composites. Their 40-day trip took the duo through 13 countries and covered a distance of 45,150 km/28,055 miles.
Monthly Archives: September 2009
Come and Join Peter van Ket at the East London Surf Lifesaving Club as he launches his boat, the Nyamezela.
Peter is about to attempt a 5500km unassisted solo journey across the Atlantic and Aerontec are proud to be associated with Peter as the supplier of the composite materials they used to build this boat.
These films are traditionally made from “nylon” and or nylon derivatives. Temperature capabilities vary from as low as 80°C to as high as 425°C. Certain types of resin systems, like phenolics, could have a negative effect on nylon films. If using phenolic resin systems, choose bagging films that are compatible with the resin system. There […]
Welcome to the new Aerontec website! We have been working on the site for the past couple of months and we are glad that today we can finally remove the covers and present you with our website!
There are many types of release films, and like vacuum bagging films, vary in their capabilities. Release films are traditionally the most expensive part of the vacuum bagging stack. Release films are available in different perforation styles, depending on the application. P3 perforation is the most common.
Sealant tapes are a sticky type of butyl tape that ensures a good seal between the bagging film and the tool / mould surface. There are many types, but traditionally are classified according to the temperature rating. Good quality sealant tapes should stick well, hold the seal during the curing cycle, and then be able […]
Peelply fabrics are normally a smooth, tightly woven nylon or polyester fabric. Other fibres like glass and Aramid are also used, but only for certain applications. If phenolic resins are used, it is advisable not to use nylon, but rather a polyester type peelply. It is important to remove the peelply fabric before the part […]
Breather fabrics are normally a type of uncompressed felt, also called spun-bonded, needled felt. Various types and thicknesses are available depending on the temperature, pressure and resin type. The breather aids in removing air and volatiles from the laminate, and transports them across the surface to the vacuum port, as well as allowing the vacuum […]
Vacuum Infusion is a term used to laminate the part dry, and then allow the resin to flow into the dry fibres. These materials are generally normal vacuum materials, with a few differences. There is no requirement for a breather or release film, but an infusion mesh that transports the resin inside the bag to […]
As with the vacuum film itself, there are many variations and careful consideration is required when choosing the correct equipment. Autoclave heat and pressure will collapse a pipe that is not constructed from the correct materials, as will normal vacuum at room temperature collapse an unsuitable one. Most vacuum pipes have a wire spiral either […]
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