Flow media is a unique concept to vacuum infusion and media such as infusion mesh aid resin flow and distribute the resin across the surface of the laminate. The flow mesh is typically laid as a single layer between or on top of the layers of reinforcement and it comes in several styles, from fast infusion times, to maximum conformability and even as a combined flow media and core material. Flow mesh can be a knitted or cast flexible plastic that facilities resin-flow, ensuring that resin reaches all parts of the part efficiently and with little waste.
Infusion mesh can also be used selectively to increase resin flow to certain areas of the mould and increase the speed with which the project infuses. Infusion mesh can be used in multiple layers where even greater resin flow is required. Like most other elements of the vacuum bagging or resin infusion ‘stack’ infusion mesh cannot be reused once resin has flown through it and therefore should be considered a disposable consumable of the process. Resin flow meshes should end at least 75% from the end of horizontal applications and with very low vertical applications just before the vertical plane starts.
Large vertical applications should have the mesh up to about 90% from the top of the component. The flow mesh should also be stopped a few centimeters before vacuum membrane systems like VMS2. The exact distance should always be determined through proper testing.
