What Are The Cons Of Vacuum Bagging?

Vacuum bagging is a popular method of composites production, where materials are encased in an airtight bag, and a vacuum pump removes the air from the bag, creating a negative pressure that compresses the materials, leading to better quality end-products. While vacuum bagging has many advantages, including superior adhesion, faster curing times, and reduced material waste, it also has several cons that deserve consideration.

1. Initial Investment Cost

The initial investment cost for vacuum bagging can be high, making it unaffordable for small businesses and hobbyists. For instance, you’ll need to purchase a vacuum pump, vacuum bags, sealant tapes, release films, vacuum fittings, and a vacuum gauge to create a vacuum bagging system. In addition, you’ll also need to purchase consumables such as resins and fibers, which can be expensive.

2. Technical Expertise

Vacuum bagging requires specialized knowledge and technical expertise, which can be a challenge for beginners. The setup process entails correctly applying the sealant tape, release film, and vacuum fittings before placing the materials in the vacuum bag. Any mistakes made during this process can lead to a poor quality end product. Additionally, you must pay careful attention to factors such as vacuum pressure and material curing time. Therefore, it is essential to have a deep understanding of the process before trying vacuum bagging.

3. Time-Consuming

The vacuum bagging process can be time-consuming, which may not be practical for people with busy schedules. Vacuum-bagging typically requires additional time to set up and then to clean up. Additionally, there’s the time spent waiting for the materials to cure under a vacuum. Waiting time may vary depending on factors like the size of the project and the type of materials being used.

4. Material Waste

The vacuum bagging process can result in material waste, which can be expensive for businesses. Since the process involves the use of additional consumables, such as vacuum bags and sealant tapes, these materials can add up cost-wise. Furthermore, mistakes made during the vacuum bagging process can lead to unusable or unstorable materials, meaning that they need to be discarded, leading to wasted resources and loss of money.

5. Work Environment

Vacuum bagging requires a clean and controlled environment that is free of dust, debris, and humidity. Any contaminants or moisture in the environment can negatively affect the quality of the final product. This need for a controlled environment means that you’ll need a designated workspace, which may not be feasible in a small workspace, including home workshops or garages. Additionally, working in a controlled environment requires additional costs, including air-conditioning or heating, or working in an expensive cleanroom.

Conclusion

Vacuum bagging is a popular method of composites production that offers superior adhesion, faster curing times, and substantial reduction in material waste. However, the process also comes with several cons, including high initial investment costs, the need for technical expertise, time-consuming setup and cleanup, and the need for a controlled work environment. Before deciding to use vacuum bagging for your project, you need to weigh the pros and cons and determine if it’s a worthwhile investment.

FAQs – What Are The Cons Of Vacuum Bagging?

1. Why is vacuum bagging not suitable for all applications?

Vacuum bagging requires a certain level of set up and equipment, which may not be feasible for all applications. It also may not be the best option for larger or irregularly shaped parts. In addition, vacuum bagging can be time-consuming and require skilled labor.

2. What are the potential health risks associated with vacuum bagging?

Vacuum bagging can expose workers to harmful chemicals and materials used in the process. This includes solvents, resins, and adhesives. Proper ventilation and protective gear should be worn to minimize the risk.

3. What are some common issues that can occur during vacuum bagging?

Issues such as equipment malfunction, leaks, and inadequate vacuum pressure can affect the quality of the final product. Inadequate vacuum pressure can result in voids or bubbles in the material, which can compromise its strength and durability.