PTFE-Coated Fiberglass Release Sheets and Peel Ply Make for Better Release Agents for Performing Lay-Up and Curing on Your Tools

Release agents such as Frekote are often used to perform layup and curing on tools. But, if you find this process to be time-consuming and exhausting, there are more efficient alternatives that can be used in this application, such as release sheets or peel ply.

Why Do Release Sheets and Peel Plies Make for Better Alternatives? 

• Release sheets and peel ply are fabricated from a PTFE-coated fiberglass fabric, which can be reused multiple times within the lay-up and curing process.
• The PTFE-coated fiberglass performs well in all of the following processes:
  • Hand lay-up
  • Open mold
  • Vacuum bag
• The flexibility of the PTFE-coated fiberglass fabric allows it to conform nicely to the mold and the release characteristics of the PTFE allows for product to be easily and cleanly removed from the mold.
• Additionally, PTFE-coated release sheets and peel plies are also used for their heat-resistant and abrasion-resistant formulations.

What Is the Best PTFE-Coated Fiberglass Fabric for Your Process?

• If the PTFE-coated fiberglass fabric is intended for a single-use application, then a thinner fabric that is lightly coated in PTFE can be used.
• If the PTFE-coated fiberglass fabric is intended for multiple uses, then a fabric that is heavily coated in PTFE should be used. Keep in mind that the heavier PTFE content, the better the release properties.
• If your application requires the resin to flow through the PTFE-coated fiberglass fabric, a porous bleeder or peel ply PTFE-coated fiberglass fabric can be used. These resins are applied either in liquid or semi-liquid forms.

At Precision Coating and Coated Fabrics, Tapes, Belts, we can help you determine what’s best for your process. Our fabrics are made from woven fiberglass cloth with a clear PTFE coating. These plastic coated fabrics are non-toxic, odorless, tasteless, and are FDA compliant (21 CFR 177.1550). They are dimensionally stabile from of -100°F to +500°F (-73°C to 288°C), and provide exceptional durability and extremely low elongation (<1%).

Contact us to obtain samples for your evaluation today!