Continuous Strand Mat

Continuous Strand Mat Overview   1.5 oz/sq ft, 50" Wide, 0.060" Thick Continuous Strand Mat is frequently used for rapid build-up of parts and molds, whether used alone or with other fiberglass fabrics. It wets out easily, is highly conformable, and is easily controlled for thickness, when uniformity is a factor. When used with vacuum infusion, continuous strands looped throughout the mat facilitate the flow of resin, unlike the slowing effects often caused by chopped strand binders. Continuous Strand Mat contains a binder which holds strands together, but prevents proper bonding with any epoxy resins. PLEASE NOTE: It is only compatible with polyester or vinyl ester resins. Typical full roll length is 125 yards. Why Choose Continuous Strand Mat Over Chopped Strand Mat? While both Continuous Strand Mat and Chopped Strand Mat (#250) serve as rapid build-up reinforcements, they differ in fiber construction and performance. Chopped Strand Mat is composed of short, randomly oriented fibers (typically one to two inches in length) held together by a binder. Continuous Strand Mat uses longer, continuous fibers that are looped throughout the mat, providing a key advantage in vacuum infusion applications. Vacuum infusion, also called resin infusion, is a fabrication technique that uses vacuum pressure to drive resin into a laminate. Dry materials are laid into the mold and vacuum pressure is applied before resin is introduced. The vacuum infusion process offers a better fiber-to-resin ratio than hand lay-up or vacuum bagging. What Are the Best Applications for Continuous Strand Mat? Vacuum infusion applications where resin flow facilitation is critical. Building thickness efficiently in combination with woven fiberglass fabrics and woven roving. Generally, all fiberglass mat is used in a schedule with other fiberglass fabrics. While chopped and continuous strand mat are often used as inner layers to build bulk, fiberglass veil mat is used at the surface to prevent show-through of other fiberglass fabrics below. How Should Continuous Strand Mat Be Used for Best Results? Use squeegees and saturation rollers to work air from the laminate and compress the layers. For mold construction, alternate layers of mat with woven fabric to increase dimensional stability and strength. Available in 1-yard package (#251-A, folded), 3-yard package (#251-B, roll), 5-yard roll (#251-C), and cut-to-length yardage (#251, min 10 yd).