Oven Vacuum Bag (OVB) prepreg fabrication is an evolving process that can result in low cost, high quality composite structures. Compared to vacuum assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) infusion processes, material costs are higher but man-hour requirements are lower, and OVB prepreg does not require the same levels of skill and experience as VARTM fabrication. Breakthrough innovations in prepreg materials for non-autoclave fabrication have resulted in the ability to fabricate low void content laminates with vacuum bag consolidation. Specifically, the new prepreg constructions are characterized by fabric that is not fully wet-out with resin. When a vacuum is applied to a lay-up, air can escape through the dry fabric. With an increase in temperature the resin viscosity drops, allowing it to infuse into the evacuated fabric. OVB cure prepreg has been used to fabricate several composite structures for naval application, including ropeguards and fairwaters, cover plates, and a prototype full scale Cusp.
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