MVP 2010 News

April 13, 2010

NEW WAY TO INFUSE

Kent, WA - MVP Debuts New Comprehensive Package For Infusion Process

Magnum Venus Plastech is proud to debut its new, one-of-a-kind, comprehensive package for Infusion.  It is called Flex Molding Process.

Why did MVP spend over a year developing a unique package of injection and application systems, patent pending accessories, and comprehensive training package?  We saw that as more Composites manufacturers move from open to closed molding in their production, they were looking for a system that would cover the entire process. 

In recent years, Light RTM has been growing in use throughout the industry as manufacturers try to meet governmental standards for Styrene emissions.  While efficient at significantly lowering emissions, the learning curve in tooling a mold for the RTM process was quiet high.  Magnum Venus Plastech has been a leader in providing highly precise injection systems, pneumatic controls and comprehensive training for Light RTM for years.  However, we have recently seen more of a trend toward the use of Film Infusion over Light RTM.

Film Infusion Molding, using either infusion films or reusable films made with Silicon, Polyurethane or Latex membranes, has slowly been gaining popularity over traditional closed mold methods.  The costs and learning curve in mold tooling is much lower with Film Infusion than the traditional rigid Light RTM double mold set alternative.

However, one of the challenges in the Film Infusion process has been a lack of emphasis on the improvements of feeding resin under the membrane.  In the past, it has been normal to pre-mix the resin in a separate container and have the vacuum “draw” the resin into the mold through multiple ports strategically placed in the infusion membrane.  This method has, and does, produce good results, particularly with large parts such as boat hulls and large wind turbine blades.  However, there was still a need for a better solution to the continuous renewal of feed pipes, reservoir cleanout, waste of resin after infusion and the pre-requisite labor required for each molding cycle (setting up the tubing and establishing vacuum connection security).

MVP took on the challenges presented with “traditional” infusion, and developed Flex Molding Process.  

What is different about Flex Molding Process? 

• Flex Molding Process is a comprehensive package that consists of injection systems, accessories and patent pending seals specifically designed to optimize infusion with a better control of the production, training kit and training courses.

• Eliminates the need to pre-mix resin and the use of consumable tubing and fittings, by using a mix/meter infusion system that provides a direct feed to the infusion membrane. 

• Flex Molding Process achieves an unmatched level of precision with new accessories including the Pneumatic Pressure Vacuum Sensor (PPVS-Infusion), infusion specific Turbo Autosprue (TAS-14), simple but effective clamp and more.

• Offers a new “lockable” reusable membrane in addition to traditional vacuum bag infusion. 

• Elimination of large resin reservoirs and multiple large bore feed pipes reduces costs and consumable wastage. 

• Flex Molding also includes Universal Membrane Fittings that provide a secure connection for the connection valves.

• Comprehensive Training Package that covers the process, accessories and systems.

• Each MVP distributor around the world will take the same training course that our customers will be offered, insuring that they will be able to provide expert assistance as their customers make the move to this new technology.

Magnum Venus Plastech now offers Composites manufacturers a unique, cost-effective solution to introducing closed molding to their production.

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