Composite Molding PTFE Release Tapes and Fabrics
PTFE coated fiberglass tapes and fabrics act as a cost effective release surface for hand lay up and open mold composite molding. During the hand lay up process, PTFE coated fabric acts as a flexible release liner that conforms to the mold while its nonstick surface allows clean removal from the molded composite part.
In open mold processing, the mold or tool is lined with PTFE coated tape, which offers an advantage over fabric for complex shapes because it is highly conformable and stays firmly in place. Once the PTFE lined mold is filled with resin and composite material, curing occurs and the PTFE tape releases cleanly from the tooling.
In most applications, composite parts should be vacuum bagged in or on the mold to prevent pre release of the part. PTFE tapes and fabrics replace manually applied release agents that are labor intensive and must be reapplied before each lay up. PTFE materials provide more consistent release and may last for several pulls from the mold, delivering additional time and cost savings.
Another advantage of using PTFE tape and fabric as a release surface is the elimination of many harmful chemicals that are often used to clean other release agents off parts after manufacturing, supporting cleaner and safer composite molding environments.
Key Features of PTFE Composite Molding Materials
Features
- Optimal release with a smooth finished surface
- Reduces prep time, finish work and clean up
- Eliminates waxes and many chemical cleaners
- Temperature resistant up to 500 °F / 260 °C
- Excellent abrasion resistance
- Flexible and conformable to complex mold geometry
- Can be used in processes that are later gel coated
- May perform for multiple pulls from the same mold
Applications
- Mold release for boat hulls and decks
- Mold release for bulkheads and interior composite panels
- Mold release for helicopter rotor blades
- Mold release for wind turbine blades and large composite structures
- Release surface for a variety of aerospace composite parts
- Nonstick covering for composite fabrication work surfaces
Composite Molding Product Data
The following PTFE coated release tapes and fabrics are commonly specified for composite molding, hand lay up, open mold processing and vacuum bagging applications.
| Part Number | Overall
Thickness
(inches) | Adhesive
Type | Adhesive Thickness
(inches) | Adhesive Strength (oz) | Application |
|---|
| 6085-03 |
0.005 |
Silicone |
0.002 |
40 |
Mold release tape |
| 6085-05 |
0.007 |
Silicone |
0.002 |
45 |
| 6085-06 |
0.008 |
Silicone |
0.002 |
50 |
| 6095-03 |
0.005 |
Silicone |
0.002 |
40 |
| 6095-05 |
0.007 |
Silicone |
0.002 |
50 |
| 6095-06 |
0.008 |
Silicone |
0.002 |
55 |
| 6445-02 |
0.004 |
Silicone |
0.002 |
25 |
| 7025 |
- |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
Bleeder cloth and peel ply |
| 7038 |
0.0023 |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
Release fabric |