Making silicone bladder for composite molding
Making silicone bladder for composite molding
(OP)
I've seen several good posts on composite bladder molding, but I'm wondering if anyone has some specific recommendations for:
1) Silicone materials, sources, methods to use to make the bladders
2) Wall thickness of the bladder
FYI we can't used a trapped solid rubber mandrel since it would be trapped in the mold due to the bends in the part.
Thanks
1) Silicone materials, sources, methods to use to make the bladders
2) Wall thickness of the bladder
FYI we can't used a trapped solid rubber mandrel since it would be trapped in the mold due to the bends in the part.
Thanks





RE: Making silicone bladder for composite molding
www.compositescentral.net
RE: Making silicone bladder for composite molding
I suppose was post was a little vague, but I was just wondering if there are rules of thumb for building bladders. We'll experiment with some silicone molds.
RE: Making silicone bladder for composite molding
www.compositescentral.net
RE: Making silicone bladder for composite molding
www.compositescentral.net
RE: Making silicone bladder for composite molding
Try the silicone from Smooth-On. They are at www.smooth-on.com. I have used the silicone that they specify for moulding as well as their dragon skins 10 minute. The ten minute is colorless and quite elastic but does run a little bit. The material for mould making is green and more stiff. Either of these can be sprayed or brushed as well as injected into a mould using an epoxy gun to make a tube. I have used with epoxy and polyester, vinyl ester and they work fine.
Good Luck
Mike