During the lay-up process, what is used to smooth the material around the core?

The use of a squeegee during the lay-up process is crucial for achieving a smooth and even application of the composite material around the core. The squeegee allows the technician to apply consistent pressure, which aids in removing excess resin and air bubbles trapped between the layers of the composite and the core material. This helps create a strong bond and ensures that the material conforms well to the contours of the core, facilitating better performance and structural integrity of the finished product.

While other tools may also be utilized in the lay-up process, they serve different functions. For example, a brush is typically used for applying resin or coatings, and a roller may be employed to compact materials or help with air removal in certain contexts. A deckle, on the other hand, is more relevant to controlling the flow of material in certain manufacturing processes but does not specifically contribute to the smoothing action around the core like a squeegee does.