Supplier List and Review

Nate_D

Nate_D

Location
Houston, TX
I haven't seen this posted anywhere, so I figured I would start a thread dedicated to listing suppliers of composite materials in the US.

I know starting out it was very difficult for me to find certain products, and even more difficult to find them without paying exorbitantly high prices (I'm talking about you Fibreglast.com...). When asking around for help, I have found a mix of people in our industry. Some have been very willing to answer questions, recommend suppliers, and even give details on the methods and materials they are using. Others have been far less inclined, some downright refusing to give any info (perhaps out of fear of diminishing market share).

The goal of this thread is to help both newer and more experienced members find sources for different materials, and have open discussions about the suppliers and materials being used. I will update this post with new suppliers when you guys post who you are using. Feel free to add your review for any supplier that is listed, as well as a review or opinion of any specific product. If you post a supplier, please include what type of products you purchase from them.

Soller Composites www.sollercomposites.com
Products: Carbon fiber tows, tapes, sleeves, unidirectional and woven fabrics. Frekote FMS and NC770 sold by the can.

Recommended for: affordable carbon in the T700-IM8 range. Lots of tow sizing, fabric weights, and weaves. Frekote by the can. Good customer service.

Review: Jon will personally get on the phone and answer questions about his product. Also good with emails. I have been quite happy with the products they carry. The only exception is the hybrid glass/carbon colored products. Particularly the sleeves. Very stiff and they do not take resin well.


Thayercraft www.thayercraft.com
Products: Woven glass cloth

Recommended for: All your glass fabric needs (particularly for part layups)

Review: Hands down the best deals I have found on fiberglass cloth from 1/2oz to 50oz. They give great info on the specific use of each style of cloth as well. They are located in North Carolina, most prices include shipping, and they accept paypal.


US Composites www.uscomposites.com
Products: Glass, fillers, GP laminating epoxy, and polyester products. Basic fiberglass supplies.

Recommended for: affordable heavy glass (1708, roving, mat, etc), fillers, general purpose laminating epoxy, 110" V fold vac bag. Decent customer service.

Review: prices are great when ordering smaller qty. When you step up to purchasing pails and rolls, the cost to ship the materials becomes expensive. Usually can find what they sell at a local glass shop. Nothing they carry is all that specialized.

Noah's Marine http://www.noahsmarine.com/index.asp
I found this company because I live in Canada and struggle to get products from all the typical suppliers everyone on here talks about. Especially lately, with the exchange rate, the prices and shipping can be difficult to swallow. So I'm recommending Noah's for all your Canadian composite needs! The website seems a little outdated and difficult to navigate, but they are very helpful over the phone. I also had questions about bagging, and they were very knowledgeable.


Express Composites www.expresscomposites.com
Products: Vac bagging, gelcoats, interlaminate core materials, Duratec.

Recommended for: Duratec, core materials

Review: great customer service. Easy to deal with.


Fiberglass Supply shop.fiberglasssupply.com
Products: large selection of resins, cores, vac bagging materials, and general composites stuff.

Recommended for: coated peel ply, flow medias, vacuum/resin connectors.

Review: Far overpriced and they gouge you on shipping. I've found multiple instances where ordering product on separate invoices is cheaper than ordering on one. Poor communication. Only recommend them for finding products you use in small qty. If you can buy a full roll, or find another supplier, you are better off.


German Advanced Composites www.germanadvancedcomposites.com
Products: Specialty infusion process products. MTI hose, polyurethane IMC, digital absolute pressure meter, and line clamps.

Recommended: Everything that they sell. Seriously, it's great stuff. MTI hose is one of my favorite products. Line clamps are excellent.

Review: Jeurgen is very helpful. The products are expensive, but they are absolutely worth the money.


Resin Research www.resinresearch.net
Products: Epoxy

Recommended for: Infusion epoxy

Review: Outside of buying in drums from a major distributer, and even then, they have the best prices on infusion resin. Not only the best pricing, but an excellent product with built in UV stabilization. They sell in gallons to drum size. No surprise freight charges, everything is built into the price.


Graco Supply company www.gracosupply.com
Products: Range of industrial products

Recommended for: Yellow sealant tape. Sold by the case, $3.72 per roll.


Composites One www.compositesone.com
Products: everything.

Recommended for: large volume purchases of materials that are difficult to find.

Review: Just signed the vendor/supplier agreement with them. So far I'm not happy with the customer service and communication. My account manager is difficult to get a hold of and there is a strong lack of communication from them. Initial order was a pail of Pro-Set infusion resin. Price should have been ~$375 and was suppose to be delivered from the local warehouse for a $10 fuel charge. Without notice and without invoicing me, they charged me over $500. When inquired about the charge, they informed me that they had to ship it across country. Why they used freight line to ship a gallon of hardener is beyond me ($96!). If my account manager ever gets back with me on the rest of the supplies I use, I will update this review. So far I can only recommend them if you can't find the material elsewhere and needing QTYs in full roll/drum sizes.

Lowes www.lowes.com
Products: Home improvement

Recommended for: 1/2" polyethylene tubing $0.29 / foot


US Plastics www.usplastics.com
Products: formed plastics

Recommended for: clear polyethylene spiral tubing
 
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Nate_D

Nate_D

Location
Houston, TX
Product Reviews

Post a review of specific product and I will add it to this post.

--Infusion & Vacuum Bagging Products--

MTI Hose
Supplier: German Advanced Composites

The MTI hose is polyethylene spiral wrap with a resin impermeable membrane. It replaces your vacuum manifold for processing composites using VIP (vacuum infusion process). The benefit to the MTI hose over a standard PE spiral wrap is it's ability to allow air to pass through while blocking resin from entering your vac manifold and lines. This allows a much simpler vacuum and resin line routing configuration, along with more flexibility for resin flow rate and line placement. Because the membrane is impermeable to resin, once the resin front reaches the line, that section is cut off from the vacuum. The remainder of the line continues to pull resin towards it until the entire line has been encapsulated. This eliminates the need for a catch pot and also produces a higher quality laminate with smaller voids, more uniform resin content, and more consistent laminate thickness. The basic line layout is a perimeter around the flange and it can be laid directly on the laminate (over peel ply of course) reducing the required flange size. Molds that are flanged for wet layup vac bagging can be used for infusion with the MTI hose.

Of course it isn't foolproof and it is possible for a part to partially infuse and the line to become fully encapsulated. Placement of flow media is important. The other drawback to the MTI hose is that you need a perfect vacuum for it to work effectively. Besides limiting the CFM of air being drawn through the vacuum pump, since the vacuum is cut off once the line is encapsulated, any leak in the bag will cause a failed vacuum. If you're vacuum process is lacking and you rely on your pump to hold a vacuum, that will need to be addressed prior to using this product.



FJC 6905 Vacuum Pump
Supplier: Amazon http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002DMZA2G?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00

I also want to add a vac pump option for anyone starting out... I went with the FJC 6905, and I am very happy thus far. I've only pulled 3 parts so far, but no issues. The specs state that it'll pull 75 microns, which isn't quite as much as the Harbor Freight one mentioned above (22.5 microns), but it's significantly cheaper.
 
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whitca

whitca

Location
Tri-Cities, WA
Nate_D said:
Composites One www.compositesone.com
Products: everything.

Recommended for: large volume purchases of materials that are difficult to find.

Review: Just signed the vendor/supplier agreement with them. So far I'm not happy with the customer service and communication. My account manager is difficult to get a hold of and there is a strong lack of communication from them. Initial order was a pail of Pro-Set infusion resin. Price should have been ~$375 and was suppose to be delivered from the local warehouse for a $10 fuel charge. Without notice and without invoicing me, they charged me over $500. When inquired about the charge, they informed me that they had to ship it across country. Why they used freight line to ship a gallon of hardener is beyond me ($96!). If my account manager ever gets back with me on the rest of the supplies I use, I will update this review. So far I can only recommend them if you can't find the material elsewhere and needing QTYs in full roll/drum sizes.
Click to expand...

If it's hazmatl and they aren't on a contract to ship hazmat with parcel carrier then they probably shipped LTL (higher price freight but easy to note on bill and pay upcharge). We have to do that pretty regularly at work...it's pretty bad when you get a $100+ freight bill to ship a pint of pvc cement 50 miles via a freight truck. Might not be the reason, just speculating.

Great list and even better info!
 
Nate_D

Nate_D

Location
Houston, TX
Yes, it's considered hazmat. You are probably right. Everyone else on that list ships hazmat through UPS ground. There's usually a fee, but it is still less than $96. The part that I am unhappy about is charging my card on file without invoicing me, or notifying me I would be paying extra for the first shipment.


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whitca

whitca

Location
Tri-Cities, WA
Nate_D said:
Yes, it's considered hazmat. You are probably right. Everyone else on that list ships hazmat through UPS ground. There's usually a fee, but it is still less than $96. The part that I am unhappy about is charging my card on file without invoicing me, or notifying me I would be paying extra for the first shipment.
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Click to expand...

That's very chitty running your card w/ out first notifying you of any additional charges.
 
hydrostyler

hydrostyler

X-
Site Supporter
Location
Central Illinois
Nate, you're forgetting about www.thayercraft.com. Hands down the best deals I have found on fiberglass cloth from 1/2oz to 50oz. They give great info on the specific use of each style of cloth as well. They are located in North Carolina, most prices include shipping, and they accept paypal.
 
Nate_D

Nate_D

Location
Houston, TX
hydrostyler said:
Nate, you're forgetting about www.thayercraft.com. Hands down the best deals I have found on fiberglass cloth from 1/2oz to 50oz. They give great info on the specific use of each style of cloth as well. They are located in North Carolina, most prices include shipping, and they accept paypal.
Click to expand...

I can't believe I forgot about them. Great deals on glass indeed. Especially the 8HS S2 glass. I'll get it added to the list. Thanks!


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Vumad

Vumad

Super Hero, with a cape!
Location
St. Pete, FL
Amazing thread @Nate_D. Its now stickied at the top.

Additional information thay could be useful is preferences on starter vacuums which is quite possibly the largest purchase in the beginning of bagging. I had been using storage bags which are very effective when they work right but have an extremely high feequency of bag bags that leak.

Here is thw link to the vacuum nate suggested in another thread. It must work well, as hes making amazing parts.

http://www.harborfreight.com/3-cfm-two-stage-vacuum-pump-61176.html

Thankyou for taking the time to share your research. You have made huge investments in trial and error, then took the time to share that information with potentil competition.
 
Vumad

Vumad

Super Hero, with a cape!
Location
St. Pete, FL
Just ordered the pump @Nate_D recommended. 20% coupon easily found online. Total with shipping and tax came to $135.xx.

Need a trip to lowes for the recommended hose.
bagging material, I saw 24" tubes online that will greatly reduce tape use
and a vacuum gauge.

The cost of these materials should quickly compensate for the wasted time and materials of the leaky storage bags.
 
Mud-Nut

Mud-Nut

Location
LaSalle, ON
First of all.... Best thread ever!!! Great job @Nate_D!

I would like to add to the discussion.... I have only dealt with US Composites, Noah's Marine, and a local shop so far. As most of you know already, US Composites has great products, tons of selection, and mostly everything anyone would ever need for basic fiberglass work. I'm happy with the resins and materials I've gotten from them, I'm just unhappy with the high prices for shipping.

Noah's Marine http://www.noahsmarine.com/index.asp
I found this company because I live in Canada and struggle to get products from all the typical suppliers everyone on here talks about. Especially lately, with the exchange rate, the prices and shipping can be difficult to swallow. So I'm recommending Noah's for all your Canadian composite needs! The website seems a little outdated and difficult to navigate, but they are very helpful over the phone. I also had questions about bagging, and they were very knowledgeable.

I also want to add a vac pump option for anyone starting out... I went with the FJC 6905, and I am very happy thus far. I've only pulled 3 parts so far, but no issues. The specs state that it'll pull 75 microns, which isn't quite as much as the Harbor Freight one mentioned above (22.5 microns), but it's significantly cheaper. I bought mine from Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002DMZA2G?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00
 
swapmeet

swapmeet

Brotastic
Location
Arlington TX
For what its worth, i'll second the customer service and price of Solliercomposites. Specifically the variety of carbon they offer, from 20oz to more complex Harness weaves.

US Composites is decent but they do not get in a hurry to ship anything in my experience. Tech support is top notch, they taught me more over the phone in 20min than I could have gleaned from 15 build threads on the X.

And Resin Research offers a phenomenal product and their customer service is great. Easy to reach, easy to ask dumb questions.

Interesting info about the vacuum pump @Vumad . I'm making some repairs that would benefit from vacuum bagging. Is there a link that lists suggested supplies for a entry level guy like myself? I'm willing to make the investment in order to have an improvement in my results vs wet lay up.
 
Nate_D

Nate_D

Location
Houston, TX
I'll put together a list of basics you need for vac bagging and infusion. There isn't a big gap to bridge for infusion once you have the basic bagging down.


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Nate_D

Nate_D

Location
Houston, TX
Basic Bagging Materials List

Wet layup vacuum bagging consists of a wet laminate, release ply, breather/bleeder, a bag and sealant tape.

Vacuum Bagging Stack

Mold Release
Wet Laminate
Peel Ply (Optional)
Perforated Release Film
Breather Fabric
Vacuum port
Sealant tape
Bagging film

What each item does

Mold Release - Releases the part from a mold. Wax, PVA, semi perms... Could write a whole post about this.

Wet Laminate - obviously this is your part or reinforcement

Peel Ply - (Optional) Peel ply leaves a fine texture to the laminate. Useful for secondary bonding of the B side of the part. Highly recommend using treated peel ply.

Perforated Release Film - Perforated release film is a thin, smooth film that has holes punched at a set size and center distance. It allows resin to pass through it while keeping items above and below it from adhering to each other. This allows the breather cloth to pull excess resin from the laminate. Comes in a variety of perforations to allow different resin transfer rates.

Breather/Bleeder Fabric - Absorbs excess resin through the perforated film.

Vacuum Port - Allows air to be removed from the sealed bag. Several designs out there, each seals a little different. Most basic is a piece of polyethylene tube inserted at the seam of the bag with sealant tape wrapped around it.

Sealant Tape - Seals the bag. Stretchy, gummy, rubber. Comes in rolls.

Bagging Film - Bag that seals the mold/workpiece.

Other items needed:

Vacuum Pump
Polyethylene tubing (Lowes)
Vacuum Gauge (not required, but highly recommended)
Line Clamp (not required, but again highly recommended)

The list of suppliers on the first post should have plenty of info for sourcing these supplies. I use US composites for my bagging film, Fiberglass Supply for treated peel ply and resin/vacuum ports, Express Composites for perforated Release Film, Gracosupply for sealant tape (by the box, small order use Fiberglass Supply), and the local fabric store for a flannel like cloth to absorb resin.

Some tips:
Use the yellow sealant tape. If you are sealing a bag to a bag, after sealing the bag, pull and stretch the bag where the tape is (in small sections). This helps the tape seal any spots where the bag might have a little ripple. If any part of the bag isn't completely sealed, air will find its way into the bag.

Add extra breather fabric around your vacuum port. Resin in your pump is not a good thing. You can also build a catch pot, but I honestly don't feel it is necessary for basic bagging.

If using a mold to make a part, pay close attention to corner and tight radii while laying up your fabric. The bag will compress your laminate, but it won't make up for a poor layup (bridging). Use a plastic spread and your fingers to get into tight spots. One thing you can do if you are trying to have a visual part and aren't releasing a part using PVA, is layup your first fabric dry, leaving a cloth pattern on the back, lightly mist super 77 and slowly lay the fabric into the mold. This helps keep the weave while pushing the fabric into tight corners to avoid bridging. Remove fabric pattern and layup resin.

If bagging to a mold, aim for 1.25 times the surface area of your mold for your bag size. Pay attention to pleats. When in doubt, use more bag than not enough and multiple smaller pleats than one large one.

Watch your resin temps and gel times. You want your bag sealed and evacuated prior to the resin gelling.



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swapmeet

swapmeet

Brotastic
Location
Arlington TX
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