Infusion is a process used to manufacture fiber-reinforced plastic parts in which disposable films are applied over the laminate.

    Dry materials are stacked onto a male or female mold surface and a thin plastic vacuum bag or semi-rigid counter mold is sealed around the part’s perimeter. A vacuum pump is used to evacuate the air and apply atmospheric pressure to consolidate the dry materials and create a “vacuum cavity”. Resin is then introduced into the cavity via strategically placed resin feeder lines.

    The pressure differential between the cavity and the outside atmospheric pressure pushes the resin through the porous materials until the part is completely saturated. Vacuum is maintained until the part has cured to ensure consolidation.