“Vabatec was expanding the developing activities in the field of the high demanded thermoplastic resins to keep pace with the future demanding production trends”, states VABATEC managing director Eleftherios Gerolymos.

The extended VABATEC product portfolio now contains new VABALON 400 vacuum bagging film for use with thermoplastic matrix materials, several new release films, infusion meshes and systems, peel plies, breathers and bleeders, adhesive and sealant tapes. With RF 22 a unique release film has been specially developed to achieve a matt surface on the components with very high release properties against all common resin systems (incl. phenolic). RF 11 is the new release film developed for the use as a plotter cutter film. The film is robust enough to keep the core textiles and on the same time has excellent tear properties in order to be cut easily in the plotters. With the refrigerant spray VABAFreeze 1, workpieces can be quickly cooled down to approx. -40 °C – 50 °C. Also the RF 400 release film, the glass breathers of the BBG class, as well as the high temperature adhesive tape AT 400AS are brand new developments to complete the VABATEC’s product portfolio.

For costumers preferring an all-in-one solution, VABATEC developed the patented self-adhesive infusion systems FLIPs®. FLIPs® combines all necessary elements including the adhesive and can be cut automatically to individual formats with a cutting system. Attaching FLIPs® to moulds (e.g. for rotor blades or for boat hulls) takes up to 50 percent less time compared to conventional methods because there is no need to spray any adhesive in order to fix the different layers. On the contrary, compared with adhesive spray systems, the material ensures an evenly spread application of adhesive, which also guarantees constant product quality. Also, FLIPs® can be applied directly to the desired position, even on heavily curved and vertical surfaces. If necessary, it can be removed and reapplied. Additionally, the corresponding moulds can be reused.

As easy to apply product, FLIPs® significantly reduces product preparation time and increases productivity. As complete solution, it also simplifies the supply chain and the inventory management. Another advantage not to be forgotten: The absence of solvents and propellants in FLIPs® protects both the user and the environment from harmful effects.

With the brand new released phenolic-tolerant EasyPly peel ply product, VABATEC is breaking completely new ground in terms of release properties and surface quality. The easy to release product can be used up to 150 – 160°C and leaves a very good surface pared with high release properties. It waives a silicone coating and enables a faster resin flow than the well-known PP85 The product is currently undergoing extensive testing. But the tests will be completed shortly and we are looking forward to presenting the results in person to our customers and prospects.”

Visitors, who are interested in learning more about latest VABATEC products, are invited to schedule an appointment to see how VABATEC innovations can simplify their composites production, or to simply drop in to meet VABATEC at the joint stand of Composites United (Hall 6 / F85-G85). VABATEC is looking forward to seeing you soon.