Composites
Reusable Inflatable High-Temp Bladders and Vacuum Bags:
In the realm of thermoplastic manufacturing, a significant challenge is the absence of a suitable inflatable bladder that can both meet the necessary temperature requirements as well as reliably produce geometrically complex and hollow components with high mechanical performance.
RCF Technologies has introduced a groundbreaking solution by developing reusable high-temp bladders and vacuum bags from its Rishon® material which are resistant to high temperatures and multiple cycles. This innovative proprietary material can sustain operating temperatures up to 850ºF
(454.44°C) unlike other elastomeric bladders and vacuum bags, which are limited to 500°F
(260 °C), and hard-to-find single-use options that only reach 600 °F (315.55 °C).
The Rishon bladder is an inflatable tool that aims to simplify and speed up the production of
thermoplastic structures and enable manufacturers to produce reliable, complex, hollow, fiber-
reinforced thermoplastic components. When inflated, the bladder applies uniform internal
pressure to the fibers, stretching them from the inside out. This eliminates wrinkles and
improves consolidation. Manufacturers can thus achieve aerospace-quality parts with
significantly higher reliability.
Rishon® Material Bladders
Rishon bladders offer several key advantages, including:
- Exceptional Temperature Resistance
Rishon material can withstand the temperatures required during the curing process of
high temp thermoplastics (up to 850° F), ensuring its longevity and reliability. - Flexibility and Reusability
The Rishon bladder can be reused multiple times, reducing the need for frequent
replacements and ultimately lowering manufacturing costs. - Enhanced Productivity
By eliminating the limitations imposed by traditional manufacturing processes, the
reusable bladder enables faster production cycles, leading to increased productivity and
shorter lead times - Improved Quality Control
The use of a reliable and temperature-resistant bladder ensures consistent and precise
manufacturing of thermoplastics, enhancing the overall quality control process.
Unlike traditional methods and materials used during the thermoplastic manufacturing process,
Rishon will meet the requirements without compromising its structural integrity.
The Functionality of the Rishon® Bladder
The Rishon bladder developed by RCF Technologies serves as a reusable inflatable core for
manufacturing thermoplastics. The thermoplastic material is laid up in a tool with the bladder in the center.
The bladder is then inflated to create the necessary pressure. Once inflated, the tool is heated under
pressure, allowing the thermoplastic material to soften and reform. After the curing process is
complete, the tool is cooled, and a vacuum is applied to pull the bladder. The Rishon bladder,
having served its purpose, can be easily removed and reused for subsequent manufacturing
cycles.
Contact RCF Technologies Today
At RCF Technologies, we design and manufacture components out of our proprietary material—Rishon—for a wide range of industries. By partnering and consulting closely with our customers, our team builds optimal, high-quality solutions tailored to each customer’s unique needs.
To learn more about how we leverage Rishon to create custom thermal seal and gasket solutions, contact us today. Send us your environment, envelope, and performance requirements, and our knowledgeable engineers will address any questions or concerns and assist you through the design and manufacturing stages.
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