Polyester surfacing veil

Types of polyester surfacing veil

Polyester surfacing veil is a thin layer of polyester fabric that is used for the surfacing of composites such as concrete, metals, and glass. It is used for the surface finishing of products made of fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) and also to provide a barrier to the escape of resin during the laminating process. Polyester surfacing veil is an important material in the production of fiberglass composites. It is a thin mat of polyester fibers that are bonded together. It is usually less than one-eighth of a millimeter thick and comes in rolls. When used, it conforms easily to curves and contours. Here are some types of polyester surfacing veil.

• Polyester surfacing veil with a fine fiber

  This type has very fine fibers that are closely spaced. The result is a veil that is very smooth and has very little texture. The fine fibers help to minimize the appearance of seams and overlaps in the laminate, resulting in a smoother finished surface. This type of veil is ideal for applications where a very smooth surface finish is desired, such as in the production of optical components or high-gloss finishes.

• Medium fiber surfacing veil

  This type has fibers that are of medium diameter and are spaced at medium density. The result is a veil that has a bit more texture than the fine fiber type but still provides a relatively smooth surface. The medium fibers help to fill in small imperfections in the laminate and provide a more uniform surface finish. This type is suitable for general-purpose applications where a moderate level of texture is acceptable.

• Coarse fiber surfacing veil

  This type has coarse fibers that are widely spaced. The result is a veil that has a significant texture and bulk. The coarse fibers help to fill in larger imperfections in the laminate and provide a more textured surface finish. This type is ideal for applications where a highly textured surface is desired, such as in the production of non-slip surfaces or for applications where a textured surface is required for adhesion purposes.

• Composite polyester surfacing veil

  This type is made from a blend of polyester and other fibers, such as fiberglass or polypropylene. The result is a veil that combines the properties of the different fibers. The composite fibers provide enhanced strength and durability, making this type suitable for applications requiring a strong and durable surface finish, such as in the production of structural composites.

• Specialized surfacing veil

  This type is designed for specific applications. For example, some veils are treated with fire retardant chemicals to make them fire retardant. Others may be treated with chemicals to make them resistant to chemicals such as acids or alkalis. These specialized veils are used in applications where fire resistance or chemical resistance is required.

Design of polyester surfacing veil

Polyester surfacing veils are thin and lightweight; they are commonly used in composite manufacturing processes, particularly in fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) applications. These are some of the key design aspects to consider when using polyester surfacing veil.

• Material Composition

  Surfacing polyester veil is made from polyester fibers that are very fine. These fibers are bonded together to form a very thin sheet. Usually, the veil is less than a millimeter thick. The composition of the veil provides it with excellent characteristics of strength and chemical resistance. This makes it very suitable for use in composite materials.

• Weight and Thickness

  The surfacing veil is extremely lightweight, typically ranging from 30 to 50 grams per square meter (GSM). Its thickness is minimal, often less than 0.1 millimeters. This design feature ensures that the veil adds negligible weight to the composite structure while providing effective surface protection.

• Fiber Orientation

  The fibers of the polyester surfacing veil are oriented randomly. This allows for even distribution of stress across the composite material. This characteristic improves the mechanical properties of the composite by enhancing its strength and durability.

• Surface Finish

  These veils are known for creating a smooth surface finish in composites. It minimizes the appearance of surface imperfections and reduces the need for extensive finishing processes. This feature is particularly advantageous in applications where aesthetics are important.

• Compatibility

  Polyester surfacing veils are compatible with a wide range of resin systems, including polyester, vinyl ester, and epoxy resins. This versatility ensures that the veil can be used in various composite manufacturing processes without compatibility issues.

• Moisture Resistance

  The surfacing veil exhibits excellent moisture resistance. This property helps prevent moisture absorption in the composite material. This characteristic is critical in applications exposed to humid or wet conditions, as it enhances the composite's longevity and structural integrity.

• Fire Retardant Properties

  Some polyester surfacing veils are treated to be fire retardant. This makes them suitable for applications in construction and automotive industries where fire safety is critical. The fire-retardant properties help inhibit the spread of flames, adding an extra layer of protection to the composite structure.

• Application Versatility

  The surfacing veil finds applications in various industries, including aerospace, automotive, marine, and construction. Its design features make it suitable for creating composite components such as boat hulls, aircraft parts, automotive body panels, and structural elements in buildings.

Wearing/Matching suggestions of polyester surfacing veil

Polyester surfacing veil is used as a surfacing material in composites. It finds application in enhancing the surface quality and properties of composite materials. Thus, it is important to understand how to wear and match polyester surfacing veil to the right composites. Here are five suggestions on how to wear and match polyester surfacing veil.

• Matching with Gel Coat: The first suggestion is to match the polyester surfacing veil with gel coat for marine applications. The gel coat provides a smooth surface finish and protects the composite from water. The veil enhances the gel coat's performance by providing a thin, even layer that prevents print-through of the fiberglass pattern.
• Wearing with Epoxy Resin: The second suggestion is to wear the polyester surfacing veil with epoxy resin for aerospace applications. Epoxy resin has a lower shrinkage rate than polyester resin, making it suitable for high-precision applications. The veil helps maintain a consistent thickness in the composite, reducing the risk of defects caused by uneven resin distribution.
• Matching with Vacuum Bagging: The third suggestion is to match the polyester surfacing veil with vacuum bagging techniques. Vacuum bagging is used to remove air and compress the composite during curing. The veil acts as a separator, preventing the bag from sticking to the surface and ensuring a smooth finish. This also allows for better airflow and resin distribution during the vacuum process.
• Wearing with Thermoplastic Resin: The fourth suggestion is to wear the surfacing veil with thermoplastic resin for automotive applications. Thermoplastic resins can be re-heated and re-shaped, making them ideal for parts that require repair or modification. The polyester veil provides a stable surface for the thermoplastic resin, ensuring a consistent and reliable bond. This is critical for components that must meet strict safety and performance standards.
• Matching with Composite Inserts: The fifth suggestion is to match the surfacing veil with composite inserts for structural applications. Composite inserts are used to reinforce specific areas of a laminate. The veil ensures a uniform distribution of resin around the inserts, creating a strong bond and minimizing the risk of delamination.

Q&A

Q1. What are the benefits of using polyester surfacing veil?

A1. Polyester surfacing veil provides several benefits, including enhanced moisture barrier properties, improved corrosion resistance, and better surface finish for fiberglass-reinforced plastics. It also helps prevent print-through of fiberglass strands and reduces the risk of osmosis and blistering in gel coat and resin systems.

Q2. Can polyester surfacing veil be used with epoxy resins?

A2. No, polyester surfacing veil is not compatible with epoxy resins. It is specifically designed for use with polyester resins. For epoxy applications, a different type of surfacing veil, such as nylon or vinyl ester, may be required.

Q3. What is the thickness of polyester surfacing veil?

A3. The thickness of polyester surfacing veil typically ranges from 0.5 to 1.0 mm (20 to 40 mils). This thickness is suitable for providing a barrier without adding significant weight or bulk to the composite material.

Q4. How does polyester surfacing veil impact the finished surface?

A4. Polyester surfacing veil helps achieve a smoother and more uniform finished surface by preventing the print-through of fiberglass strands. It also reduces the likelihood of defects such as bubbles and wrinkles, resulting in a high-quality surface suitable for painting or gel-coating.

Q5. Is polyester surfacing veil available in different widths?

A5. Yes, polyester surfacing veil is available in various widths to accommodate different applications and requirements. Common widths include 38 inches (1 meter) and 50 inches (1.27 meters), but custom widths may be available upon request to suit specific project needs.