Carbon Fiber Resin Infusion with Compoflex 3 in 1

Hi everyone, my name is Matthieu (MAT2) and I’ll guide you through this tutorial.

Compoflex is a 3 part system that involves a peelply, infusion mesh and release film, A traditional lay up would be peelply followed by an infusion mesh and optional a release perforated film
In this video we’ll be using a glassplate as a mould to create a carbon fiber veneer.

A good release is needed that’s why we’ll be using the easy lease from easy composites to have a good release for the two plates that we are creating in this tutorial.

For this tutorial I’ve used two glass plates to create a good comparison between the traditional lay up and the compoflex lay up. For both plates I’ve used a specialist finish carbon fiber: a 240gram square metre twill weave (tight weave with good visual properties) followed by black stuff from easy composites. As mentioned in the video, mostly cheap would mean bad in composites. Here we are talking about a backing layer that is here for reinforcement. Blackstuff is made exactly for that! I would never use it as a finishing layer. As a backing layer it servers it’s purpose for a good price.
I would never use blackstuff as a finishing layer but very good as a backing layer! As well blackstuff is 1/3th of the price.

In this set up I have two perfectly similar lay up, with only a difference in vacuum supply, one with the tradtional set up: peelply and flow mesh the other one being compoflex.
Common mistakes with surface finish is using to much tack spray (fusion fix) do not ever use it directly on your mould, and while in use use it in a light mist on your parts. Never spray directly on your mould as it might cause a milky result or pinholes in your part.
I’ve used masking tape to have a good comparison between the two parts. Two plates were prepared for a resin infusion. Two rules that are very important for good results is having a fully sealed vacuum and not using to much spray tack. As for the resin I’m using IN2 epoxy resin from easy composites with fast and slow hardener.

The positive things about using compoflex are:
easy and fast lay up
it’s cheap in some way ( 10€ square metre)
low resin absorbtion
Hard 3D lay up
No resin break
Not adjustable

About traditional technique:
it’s cheap
adjustable with flow mesh
low resin absorption
easier for 3D shapes
control with resin break
Extra steps in lay up

In the next video I’ll make the watch case using this carbon fiber veneer so stay tuned!

For more information and technical data sheets I suggest you to visit the Easy Composites Website:
http://www.easycomposites.co.uk

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