Release Film for Vacuum Molding and Composite Curing
Release Film is a vacuum molding auxiliary material used in autoclave, vacuum infusion, and oven curing processes to prevent breather fabric or flow mesh from bonding to the curing resin. It is supplied in several material grades, each rated for a different maximum use temperature, so composite manufacturers can match the correct grade to their resin system and cure schedule. By selecting the right perforation pattern, buyers can also control how much resin bleeds out of the laminate during cure, helping achieve the correct fiber-to-resin ratio.
Release Film Grades and Specifications
Release Film is available in the following material grades, covering maximum use temperatures from 212°F (100°C) up to 752°F (400°C):
| Grade | Thickness | Width | Max Use Temperature | Material Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M3700-30 | 0.0012 in (30µm) | 50 in (1.27 m) | 212°F (100°C) | Polyolefin |
| M3900-30 | 0.0012 in (30µm) | 50 in (1.27 m) | 302°F (150°C) | Polyolefin |
| M3900-50 | 0.002 in (50µm) | 50 in (1.27 m) | 302°F (150°C) | Polyolefin |
| MR200-38 | 0.001 in (38µm) | 50 in (1.27 m) | 374°F (190°C) | PMP |
| MR200-50 | 0.002 in (50µm) | 50 in (1.27 m) | 374°F (190°C) | PMP |
| M5200-15 | 0.0006 in (15µm) | 50/60 in (1.27/1.53 m) | 446°F (230°C) | ETFE |
| M5200-20 | 0.0008 in (20µm) | 50/60 in (1.27/1.53 m) | 446°F (230°C) | ETFE |
| M5200-25 | 0.001 in (25µm) | 50/60 in (1.27/1.53 m) | 446°F (230°C) | ETFE |
| M4000-20 | 0.0008 in (20µm) | 50/60 in (1.27/1.53 m) | 500°F (260°C) | FEP |
| M4000-25 | 0.001 in (25µm) | 50/60 in (1.27/1.53 m) | 500°F (260°C) | FEP |
| MR315-25 | 0.001 in (25µm) | 50 in (1.27 m) | 599°F (315°C) | PTFE |
| MR400-25 | 0.001 in (25µm) | 39 in (1 m) | 752°F (400°C) | PI |
All grades carry a two-year storage life under normal conditions. Buyers should confirm the actual operating temperature with test runs, since the shape of the mold, curing parameters, resin system, and laying method all affect real-world performance beyond the rated maximum use temperature.
Perforation Patterns and Resin Bleed Control
Release Film is also offered in different punching specifications, which determine how much resin is allowed to bleed out of the laminate into the breather layer during cure:
- P1 holes: hole diameter 1.143 mm, hole pitch 6.3 mm, porosity 1.27%
- P3 holes: hole diameter 0.38 mm, hole pitch 12.6 mm, porosity 0.14%
- P16 holes: hole diameter 0.4 mm, hole pitch 6 mm, porosity 0.7%
- P31 holes: hole diameter 0.381 mm, hole pitch 25.4 mm, porosity 0.018%
A pattern with higher porosity, such as P1, allows more resin bleed-out, while a tighter pattern such as P31 retains more resin in the laminate. Selecting the correct porosity for this material is an important part of achieving a consistent fiber-to-resin ratio across a production run, alongside other auxiliary agents and process consumables used in composite tooling.
Applications in FRP and Composite Layup
Release Film is used across autoclave curing, vacuum infusion, and oven processes for FRP parts, wind turbine blade components, marine hulls, and other composite structures where a clean laminate surface and controlled resin content are required. Higher-temperature grades such as MR315-25 and MR400-25 are specified for autoclave cycles that exceed the rating of standard polyolefin films, while lower-temperature grades such as M3700-30 suit vacuum infusion or oven processes. General guidance on composite laminate testing and resin systems can be found through industry standards bodies such as the ASTM D20 Committee on Plastics.
Sourcing and Supply
Release Film is available in multiple grades, widths, and perforation patterns to match different resin systems and production volumes. Our team can advise on which grade and porosity of this consumable is appropriate for a given cure cycle, and can provide supply chain resource support for buyers sourcing this material for ongoing production.
Frequently Asked Questions
What grades of Release Film are available?
Grades include M3700, M3900, MR200, M5200, M4000, MR315, and MR400, covering material types from polyolefin up to PI and rated for maximum use temperatures between 212°F (100°C) and 752°F (400°C).
Which grade should I use for autoclave curing?
Higher-temperature grades such as MR315-25 (PTFE, 599°F/315°C) or MR400-25 (PI, 752°F/400°C) are typically specified for autoclave cycles, while lower-temperature grades suit vacuum infusion or oven processes.
What does the perforation pattern control?
The hole diameter, hole pitch, and porosity of the perforation pattern (P1, P3, P16, or P31) determine how much resin bleeds out of the laminate during cure.
How long can this material be stored?
All grades carry a two-year storage life under normal conditions.
Can I request the Technical Data Sheet (TDS) for Release Film?
Yes, the TDS with full material performance indicators and specification parameters can be provided on request.
For pricing, grade selection, or technical support on Release Film, please contact our sales team to request a quote.
