Technical data

13773-001
51-20
Page 4 30 Nov 2000
D. Laminating
Laminating is accomplished after repair plies have been cut and the repair area is prepared (backing
plates attached, core section replaced, repair surface abraded, repair surface solvent cleaned, etc.).
Two methods are used for lamination of repair plies; Laminating in Place and the Transfer Method.
WARNING:
When using peel ply, position the peel ply on the outer ply (largest) only. Never
bond repair plies to peel ply. If plies are bonded on top of peel ply, the repair will
not develop full strength.
Place each repair ply in the same direction as the original plies were positioned.
Every other repair ply must have the directional fiber orientation staggered to pre-
vent the repair from warping.
(1) Laminating in Place
The Laminating in Place method is used when the area of damage does not present difficulty for
applying repair plies.
Note: Laminates that have come in contact with moisture must be dried before perform-
ing any repair. If moisture contamination is confined to a small area, the area may
be dried with a heat gun. Dry the contaminated area for at least two minutes while
keeping the nozzle a minimum of 10 inches from the part.
(a) Absorb all visible moisture on the laminate using a clean, lint-free, cotton cloth.
Note: If surface contamination is present, solvent wipe bond area and adjacent
surfaces. Before bonding, all surfaces must be prepared by mechanical
abrasion and then solvent cleaned, even if peel ply was used. Allow solvent
to evaporate.
(b) Wipe the affected area with isopropyl alcohol using a clean, lint-free, cotton cloth.
(c) Abrade surface (by hand) in a random pattern using 60-grit to 80-grit aluminum oxide
paper. If abrading with powered equipment, use 120-grit to 180-grit aluminum oxide paper.
Note: Remove dust and observe laminate surface frequently during the abrading
procedure. If fiber damage is apparent, stop abrading and repair the dam-
aged area. When preparing peel ply surfaces, abrade surface until the
impression left from the peel ply is no longer visible. When preparing sur-
faces where no peel ply was present (i.e., barrier film), abrade surface until
no gloss is visible. To assure proper abrasion, replace sandpaper many
times during the abrading procedure.
(d) Remove dust particles using a vacuum cleaner. To assist in the removal of dust particles,
use either a clean vacuum cleaner brush attachment or a new paint brush.
(e) Solvent clean repair surface. (Refer to 20-30)