What is Vacuum Felt (Blanket)?

Vacuum felt, also called vacuum blanket, is a special fabric that plays an important role in the production of composite materials. This non-woven polyester felt, which usually weighs 150 g/m², can be used in two different ways. The first use is as a ventilation layer during vacuum bagging of prepreg laminates. In this process, this felt underneath the vacuum bag is close to the layers of material. The felt has a porous structure and removes air and gases. This allows the resin to be more evenly distributed between the material layers. The mechanical properties of the resulting product are also improved.

The second use is for air permeability and excess resin absorption in vacuum bagging processes after hand lay-up. In this process, layers of composite material are manually arranged and covered with this felt. This ensures that excess resin is retained in the absorbed fabric as in the first method. Excess resin build-up is thus prevented and the desired product is produced efficiently. This makes it possible to make it lighter and with the desired properties. Vacuum seal is a special material with high durability and can be used effectively at curing temperatures up to 150 °C. Thanks to its high heat resistance, it offers a suitable solution for curing temperatures.

In Which Areas is Vacuum Felt Used?

The vacuum seal, which has a great importance in composite productions, has some usage areas in this process. One of its intended uses is to ensure that the air inside the vacuum bag is completely evacuated. This felt is also used to absorb excess resin from wet laminating plies. In some cases it works both ways. An example of this is vacuum bagging a wet-laid laminate.

In these cases, however, specialized equipment is needed. This equipment is the separation layer and prevents the felt from getting wet by the resin and sticking to the laminating plies. This layer also separates this felt from the laminate, making the process more efficient. Separation film and peeling fabric are generally used as the separation layer. The release film is placed between this felt and the laminate, preventing direct resin contact with the felt. The peeling fabric absorbs more of the resin. This prevents extra resin build-up and results in a lighter material. This seal is therefore characterized by its extensive use in the vacuum infusion method.

Composite material manufacturing: It is used in the vacuum infusion method, playing an important role in the production of composite materials. Its use in this method ensures even distribution of the resin and prevents the formation of air bubbles.

Vacuum packaging: It is used in vacuum packaging processes of products in many industrial areas. Thus, the package is sealed. Products are better protected.

Energy and electronics industry: Used to improve the efficiency of vacuum-powered equipment. Energy and electronic devices are produced with this material.

Medical and health sector: Used in the medical and healthcare sector for precise vacuum control in laboratories and similar equipment.

Paper manufacturing: Used in paper processing and printing machines. It is useful in the transportation and manipulation of materials.