The supplier Grunewald, with sites in Bocholt and Irxleben, checks the mold surfaces and vacuum lines with a vacuum gauge from Thyracont.
Vacuum brings CFRP material into the mold
CFRP components are manufactured using curing tools. The prepreg material - a pre-impregnated carbon fiber fabric with resin - is placed in layers in the desired shape and sealed with a film. A vacuum pump removes the air from the fabric, which presses the material firmly onto the mold.
In the subsequent autoclave process, the mold and prepreg material are heated to 180 °C and pressurized. The heat causes the resin in the prepreg material to liquefy and the pressure ensures that the liquid resin is evenly distributed. In the subsequent holding cycle, the component hardens and can then be removed from the mold.
Checking with the VD810 vacuum gauge
Grunewald uses the VD810 compact vacuum gauge from Passau-based manufacturer Thyracont to check the vacuum lines and mold surfaces. It measures both absolute and relative pressure in the range from 2000 to 1 mbar (abs.) or -1060 to +1200 mbar (rel.) and thus enables quality control. Thanks to its chemical-resistant piezo-ceramic sensor with FKM seal, the vacuum gauge is insensitive to contamination and is suitable for industrial processes.