FLOW MAT is a cross-linked reinforcement for closed mold molding. It consists of a polypropylene conductive core with chopped glass fibers on both sides. It can be easily molded into shapes and other complex structures and is compatible with most standard resins. FLOW MAT is often used for injection and infusion processes, and its unique design allows for excellent resin penetration and flow, resulting in strong and durable composite parts.

FLOW MAT can be applied to unsaturated polyester resin, vinyl ester resin, epoxy resin, phenolic resin, and other resins used in composite manufacturing. It is also suitable for various manufacturing processes such as RTM, hand lay-up, vacuum infusion, and more. FLOW MAT can be used to produce FRP parts for a variety of applications such as boat bodies, insulation boards, automobile bodies, nacelle covers, and more.

Using FLOW MAT reinforcement, it is possible to manufacture large-scale products that are several meters long or wide without seams. This is because FLOW MAT can be easily molded into complex shapes and structures, allowing for the production of large, seamless parts. Additionally, the material is compatible with most standard resins and can be used with a variety of molding processes, including RTM, hand lay-up, and vacuum infusion. As a result, it is a popular choice for manufacturing a range of products, including FRP bodies for boats, insulation boards, automobile bodies, and nacelle covers.

Aircraft wings and fuselages

Hulls of boats and yachts

Elements of wind power generators

Vehicle details

Load-bearing structures in construction (I-beams, etc.)

Plumbing equipment

Containers for various purposes

When using FLOW MAT for manufacturing, it’s important to ensure that the reinforcement material is properly saturated with resin to achieve optimal mechanical performance. One way to do this is through resin infusion, which involves placing the FLOW MAT in a mold and creating a vacuum to draw resin into the reinforcement material.

Another important consideration is the orientation of the fibers within the FLOW MAT. Depending on the specific application, different orientations may be more appropriate to achieve the desired mechanical properties.

It’s also worth noting that FLOW MAT can be customized by adding additional layers of reinforcement material, such as woven or non-woven fabrics(surface veil by glass, polyester, PAN), to further enhance its mechanical performance. Finally, FLOW MAT can be easily cut and shaped to fit the contours of complex molds, making it a versatile and widely used material in the composites industry.

FLOW MAT can be used to produce parts with varying thicknesses depending on the density of the material used. Typically, parts can be produced from 2mm to 8mm thick, but this can vary depending on the specific application and requirements. The density of the material can also affect the mechanical properties of the final product, such as its strength and stiffness.

FLOW MAT is a composite material used in closed mold molding processes. It consists of a synthetic nonwoven core made of polypropylene, which is surrounded by two layers of chopped glass mats. These layers of glass mats are mechanically stitched together using polyester thread to form a sandwich structure. The combination of the polypropylene core and the glass mats provides the material with high strength and stiffness while also allowing for easy flow of resin during the molding process.

FLOW MAT is easily molded into different shapes and can be used to manufacture various complex structural components. The chopped glass fibers on both sides of the polypropylene core provide good mechanical strength and help the material conform to different shapes and corners. Additionally, FLOW MAT is compatible with most standard resins and can be used with different molding processes such as RTM, hand lay-up, and vacuum infusion.

Since FLOW MAT is a continuous material that can be easily molded into complex shapes, the process of laying it onto a mold only needs to be done once. This saves a lot of time compared to other methods that may require multiple layers and more complex molding processes.

FLOW MAT is compatible with a wide range of resins, including unsaturated polyester resin, epoxy resin, vinyl ester resin, and DCPD resins, making it a versatile material for composite manufacturing.

The polypropylene core in FLOW MAT has good elasticity and compressibility, which allows it to adapt and balance internal thickness differences of composite parts during the molding process. This helps to prevent voids or other defects in the final product, and also improves the mechanical properties of the part by providing uniform reinforcement throughout the structure. Additionally, the elasticity of the core also makes it easier to mold complex shapes and geometries.

A uniform glass fiber mat provides a smooth surface for the final product.

The high permeability of the synthetic core(polypropylene fabric) allows the resin to flow through the entire module at an extremely fast flow rate.

The core design of the propylene core(resin flow layer) is ideally suited for the closed low pressure LRTM (light) molding process.

The absence of a chemical binder in the mat makes it possible to quickly wet the glass fibers and evenly impregnate the reinforcing material.

FLOW MAT fulfills most of the mechanical property requirements of molded parts: the final product is characterized by increased impact resistance and elasticity.

LRTM stands for Light Resin Transfer Molding and is a variation of the RTM (Resin Transfer Molding) process. It is a closed-mold process that uses a vacuum to pull the resin through a dry reinforcement preform. Compared to other RTM processes, LRTM uses lower injection pressures and clamping forces. This results in reduced tooling costs, faster cycle times, and improved part quality. The use of FLOW MAT reinforcement in LRTM can further enhance the process by providing fast and even resin flow throughout the mold cavity.

FLOW MAT is designed to work with closed mold molding processes such as RTM and LRTM. In the LRTM process, a low-pressure technique is used where a light punch (indenter) is employed, which contains resin channels and seals, along with a reverse matrix. The permeable nature of FLOW MAT‘s synthetic core allows for the quick and even flow of resin through the entire module, making it an ideal reinforcement material for this process. The absence of a chemical binder in the mat also allows for quick and even wetting of the glass fibers and impregnation of the reinforcing material.

The FLOW MAT reinforcing material is laid in a single layer in a reverse matrix form.

Cover with a lightweight punch up to 4 mm thick.

A vacuum is created between them and the resin is passed under low pressure using an injection unit.

The injection pressure is controlled by a pressure valve sensor.

The amount of resin is calculated before the injection process. The resin evenly impregnates the material along the channels from the middle to the edges of the part and back.

The injection unit is turned off when the calculated amount of resin is used up.

After curing, the finished part is removed from the mold and subjected to further processing if necessary.

It is important to follow safety guidelines when handling FLOW MAT reinforcement material. To avoid generating dust, it is recommended to handle the material in a way that minimizes any activity that could create dust. When handling the product, personal protective equipment such as gloves, goggles, and overalls should be worn. In cases where large quantities of the material are being handled or in enclosed environments, a dust class FFP1 or FFP2 respirator facepiece should also be worn.

It is advised to store the product in a closed dry warehouse on pallets or racks at a relative humidity of not more than 80%. This helps to maintain the quality of the material and prevent any moisture damage. Additionally, it is important to follow any other safety or storage instructions provided by the manufacturer to ensure proper handling and storage of the product.

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