Analysis on the Innovation of Vacuum Infusion Molding Technology for FRP Ships

 

In the shipbuilding industry, FRP (also known as glass fiber reinforced plastic, GFRP) has gradually become the preferred material for manufacturing small to medium-sized ships due to its light weight, high strength, corrosion resistance, and easy molding. The vacuum infusion molding (VIM) process, as a key technology in FRP shipbuilding, has led the innovation of FRP shipbuilding technology with its advantages of high efficiency, environmental protection, and high cost-effectiveness.

 

Basic Principles of Vacuum Infusion Molding Process

 

The vacuum infusion molding process is an advanced manufacturing process that combines resin transfer molding (RTM) and vacuum bag molding technology. The basic principle is to lay pre-cut glass fiber cloth or felt in the mold, and then inject a resin system containing a catalyst and a curing agent. Through the negative pressure generated by the vacuum pump, the resin is evenly sucked into the fiber structure in the mold, and is cured under vacuum to form a FRP product with high strength and good surface quality.

 

 

 

Technical innovation points

 

High Efficiency and Energy Saving:

The vacuum infusion molding process uses vacuum negative pressure to drive the resin flow, without the need for external pressure equipment, which greatly saves energy consumption. At the same time, since the resin is cured under vacuum, the generation of bubbles and voids is reduced, and the density and strength of the product are improved.

 

Environmental Protection and Low Pollution:

Compared with traditional hand-layup or injection molding processes, vacuum infusion molding reduces the volatilization and waste of resin, reduces the emission of harmful gases, and is more in line with the environmental protection requirements of modern manufacturing.

 

Cost-Effectiveness:

Although the initial mold and equipment investment is high, the vacuum infusion molding process can achieve large-scale production, and the product quality is stable, reducing the scrap rate and rework costs. In the long run, this process has higher cost-effectiveness.

 

Design Flexibility:

The vacuum infusion molding process is suitable for the manufacture of products with complex shapes and structures, providing greater freedom for the design of FRP ships. Designers can create more streamlined, beautiful and functional hull structures.

 

Quality Control:

By precisely controlling the injection amount and curing conditions of the resin, the vacuum infusion molding process can ensure the consistency and reliability of the product and improve the overall performance of the FRP ship.