Vacuum Assisted Resin Transfer Molding (VARTM)
The demand for high-speed production has pressed the industry to increasingly replace traditional processes such as hand layup with better and automated alternatives of fabrication. Among these common alternatives is VARTM.
VARTM Overview
Vacuum Assisted Resin Transfer Molding, abbreviated to VARTM, is also called the Vacuum Injection Molding or Vacuum Infusion Molding process.
In simple terms, it’s a closed mold composite manufacturing process – These composites are rigidly molded to achieve thin, flexible membranes and geometry over the fiber. Atmospheric pressure from the outside compresses the fiber firmly against the surface of the mold while under vacuum.
Infusing the resin through the mold where a vacuum is applied to the mold is key to VARTM. The process utilizes a bottom section mold and a vacuum bag, differentiating it from other closed mold processes.