What is used to ensure that any excess resin flows properly away from the part and does not clog the vacuum port?

The use of breather material is essential in composite manufacturing processes, particularly in vacuum bagging applications. Breather material is designed to allow air and excess resin to escape from the part being processed while maintaining a vacuum. This flow is crucial because it helps prevent resin buildup that could obstruct the vacuum port, which might lead to uneven pressure distribution and compromised part integrity.

When vacuum bagging, the breather material is placed between the vacuum bag and the laminate. It creates a pathway for volatile components, such as excess resin and air, to exit the bag. This action helps ensure the quality and performance of the final composite part by ensuring that the material is not excessively saturated and that the vacuum remains effective throughout the curing process.

While options like the vacuum bag and peel ply are important components of the vacuum bagging system, they serve different purposes. The vacuum bag is primarily responsible for enclosing the composite part and creating the vacuum environment, while peel ply provides a clean surface for bonding or secondary operations. Epoxy resin, while necessary for the bonding process, does not aid in managing excess material flow. Therefore, breather material is the correct choice for ensuring orderly flow of excess resin away from the part.