Gathering vacuum bagging supplies is the first step in this innovative clamping system for laminating a wide range of fabrics, core materials, and veneers with epoxy.

Vacuum bagging uses atmospheric pressure to deliver firm, even clamping pressure over the entire surface area of a composite part or repair, regardless of the material or materials being laminated. By laminating over simple molds, composites can be molded into an endless variety of functional shapes.

Vacuum Bagging Kit & Supplies

Vacuum Bagging Techniques kit and guide
Vacuum Bagging Techniques kit and guide

A complete starter vacuum bagging kit for room temperature repairs and small laminating projects up to 13 sq ft. Some item specifications may vary. WEST SYSTEM vacuum supplies can be purchased individually or as a complete kit. 885 Vacuum Bagging Kit includes all items below.

885-6* 1—Venturi Vacuum Generator with 885-7 Silencer.

Venturi Vacuum Generator
Venturi Vacuum Generator

The Vacuum Generator develops over 20 inches
Hg (mercury) of vacuum (10 psi of clamping pressure) at .4 SCFM and is designed to run off of conventional shop air compressors that continuously deliver at least 65 psi at 3.5 SCFM. Some item specifications may vary. (A ¼” NPT male air fitting is required to connect to your air compressor.)

885-34* 3—Vacuum Cups

Vacuum Tubes
Vacuum Tubes

Cups are placed over a ½” “X” cut in the vacuum bag film and provide a port through the bag for the vacuum gauge or the vacuum tubing. 20 ft—885-4 ¼” I.D Vacuum Tubing. Cut tubing to the appropriate length, to connect the vacuum cups to the generator and make a resin trap.

885-5 1—Vacuum Gauge*

The Gauge screws into a vacuum cup and is placed over a ½” “X” cut in the vacuum bag film. Vacuum measurement is expressed in inches of mercury (0-30 Hg). Each increase of 1 inch of mercury (a single increment on the gauge) indicates an addition of about seventy pounds of pressure per sq ft (.48 psi) at sea level.

Vacuum Gauge
Vacuum Gauge

*Available as a replacement part–see price list.

15 sq ft—Release Fabric

Epoxy Release Fabric
Epoxy Release Fabric

Release fabric peels cleanly away from the cured epoxy. Cut it to fit an area larger than the repair area or saturated laminate layup.

15 sq ft—Breather Fabric

Epoxy Breather Fabric
Epoxy Breather Fabric

Placed over the release fabric, under the vacuum bag to provide an air passage for air to get to the port.

25 ft—Vacuum Bag Sealant

Vacuum Bag Sealant
Vacuum Bag Sealant

Apply sealant continuously around the outside of the release fabric area to seal the vacuum bag over the layup.

25 ft—Vacuum Bag Sealant

Vacuum Bag Sealant
Vacuum Bag Sealant

Apply sealant continuously around the outside of the release fabric area to seal the vacuum bag over the layup.

2—Junction “T” barbs

T’s are used to connect tubing lines and cups. May be used to place a resin trap just ahead of the Venturi intake.

002-150 Vacuum Bagging Techniques

Vacuum Bagging Techniques Brochure
Vacuum Bagging Techniques Brochure

A 52-page manual that describes the basic principles and practical application of vacuum bagging for repair and laminate construction.

See also, Vacuum Bagging Basics, Epoxyworks Issue 49.