Sealant Tapes for Vacuum Molding and Composite Curing
Sealant Tapes are vacuum molding auxiliary materials used to create an airtight seal between the vacuum bag film and the mold or tool surface. They are supplied in several grades, each rated for a different maximum use temperature and suited to a specific process, from vacuum infusion at room temperature up to high-temperature autoclave curing. Selecting the correct grade and color helps composite manufacturers maintain stable vacuum pressure throughout the cure cycle while avoiding residual glue or mold damage on removal.
Sealant Tape Grades and Specifications
Sealant Tapes are available in the following grades, covering maximum use temperatures from 248°F (120°C) up to 752°F (400°C):
| Grade | Thickness | Width | Colour | Max Use Temperature | Applicable Process |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HW100 | 0.0787-0.0984 in (2-2.5 mm) | 0.3937-0.4724 in (10-12 mm) | Black | 248°F (120°C) | Cost-effective, vacuum infusion flow |
| H100 | 0.1181 in (3 mm) | 0.5118 in (13 mm) | Black | 248°F (120°C) | Reusable at room temperature, vacuum infusion flow |
| HW150 | 0.0984 in (2.5 mm) | 0.4724 in (12 mm) | Yellow | 302°F (150°C) | Cost-effective, oven process |
| H150 | 0.1181 in (3 mm) | 0.5118 in (13 mm) | Gray | 320°F (160°C) | Cost-effective, autoclave process |
| H200 | 0.1181 in (3 mm) | 0.5118 in (13 mm) | Yellow | 392°F (200°C) | Easy peel-off below 80°C, no residual glue, autoclave process |
| H230 | 0.1181 in (3 mm) | 0.5118 in (13 mm) | Green | 446°F (230°C) | Easy peel-off below 80°C, no residual glue, autoclave process |
| H280 | 0.1181 in (3 mm) | 0.5118 in (13 mm) | Blue | 536°F (280°C) | High stick relay, autoclave process |
| H400 | 0.1181 in (3 mm) | 0.5118 in (13 mm) | Light green | 752°F (400°C) | Used together with H230 grade, autoclave process |
All grades carry a one-year storage life and should be stored horizontally, not refrigerated. Buyers should conduct their own process tests before use, since real-world sealing performance depends on mold shape, curing parameters, and layup method.
Choosing the Right Grade for Your Process
Sealant Tapes in the HW100 and H100 grades are formulated for vacuum infusion flow at room temperature, with H100 offering reusability across multiple layup cycles. HW150 and H150 are suited to oven and lower-temperature autoclave processes. For autoclave cycles above 392°F (200°C), the H200 and H230 grades offer easy peel-off below 80°C with no residual glue left on the mold, which reduces cleanup time between cycles. H280 is formulated for high tack in demanding autoclave applications, while H400 is rated to 752°F (400°C) and is designed to be used together with the H230 grade for the highest-temperature cure schedules.
Applications in FRP and Composite Layup
Sealant Tapes are used across vacuum infusion, oven, and autoclave processes for FRP parts, wind turbine blade components, marine hulls, and other composite structures where a temporary or repeated airtight seal is required. They are typically applied around the perimeter of the mold before the vacuum bag film is laid down and sealed against it, and are commonly specified alongside other auxiliary agents and process consumables used in composite tooling and part production.
Why Sealing Quality Matters for Laminate Consistency
Maintaining stable vacuum pressure throughout the infusion or cure cycle is central to meeting the mechanical property targets that composite laminates are tested against. Buyers evaluating vacuum bagging consumables such as Sealant Tapes for a new production process may find it useful to reference general composite laminate testing guidance published by industry standards bodies such as the ASTM D20 Committee on Plastics.
Sourcing and Supply
Sealant Tapes are available in multiple thicknesses, widths, and color-coded grades to match different mold materials and cure temperatures. Our team can advise on which grade of this consumable is appropriate for a given tooling setup and layup process, and can provide supply chain resource support for buyers sourcing this material for ongoing production.
Frequently Asked Questions
What grades of Sealant Tapes are available?
Grades include HW100, H100, HW150, H150, H200, H230, H280, and H400, covering maximum use temperatures from 248°F (120°C) up to 752°F (400°C).
Which grade is reusable at room temperature?
The H100 grade (black, 248°F/120°C) can be used repeatedly at room temperature and is suitable for vacuum infusion flow.
Which grades leave no residual glue?
H200 and H230 are formulated to peel off easily below 80°C with no residual glue, which is useful for autoclave processes with frequent mold turnaround.
How should Sealant Tapes be stored?
They should be stored horizontally and not refrigerated, with a one-year storage life under normal conditions.
Can I request the Technical Data Sheet (TDS)?
Yes, the TDS with full material performance indicators and specification parameters can be provided on request.
For pricing, grade selection, or technical support on Sealant Tapes, please contact our sales team to request a quote.
