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Inflatables
allow pressure to be applied to laminates or assemblies without
the use of vacuum or autoclaves. Their construction varies according
to the type of tooling being used. Some typical configurations are:
- Totally enclosed molded silicone bladders with inflation stems for
applying pressure in a contained environment.
- Molded flat shapes with flanges that are bonded to flat or contoured
tooling. The tooling serves as part of the inflatable and the silicone
membrane is forced away from the tooling when pressure is applied.
- Molded or seamed silicone tubes bonded to the inside or outside
of tubular tooling. Pressure can be applied to the inside or outside
of objects.
We recommend that any inflatable be fully contained to prevent rupture. Maximum
recommended temperature and pressure is 400°F. and 100 psi,
although higher pressures are possible with the correct tooling
design.
This inflatable is a fully contained bladder with inflation stem.
In service it will be constrained to a flat, circular conic but
when pressurized unrestrained becomes a torus.
Metal tubes serve as the interior wall of these inflatables. A molded
high-strength silicone tube is bonded to the outside.
These small inflatables are placed inside of a component and apply
pressure outwards for bonding a sub-component.Note the safety relief
valve.
This large bladder has two inflation stems and is used at low pressures
for doing thermoplastic forming. The sides are reinforced to restrain
outward movement.
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