Spiral Tube for Vacuum Infusion Process in Composite Manufacturing

In modern composite manufacturing, resin flow control is one of the most critical factors affecting laminate quality, infusion efficiency, and overall production stability. A reliable resin distribution medium can significantly improve wet-out performance while reducing dry spots and resin waste.

JLON Spiral Tube is specially designed for vacuum infusion and resin transfer molding (RTM/VARTM) processes. Made from high-quality HDPE material, the spiral tube provides a highly efficient resin distribution channel that allows resin to flow rapidly along the infusion edge while evenly dispersing into the laminate through the spiral gaps.

Widely used in fiberglass, carbon fiber, and sandwich composite manufacturing, spiral tubes help manufacturers achieve faster resin impregnation, more uniform laminate quality, and stable production performance.

What Is a Spiral Tube?

A spiral tube, also called a resin distribution spiral or vacuum infusion spiral hose, is a plastic helical tube used in vacuum bagging and resin infusion processes.

During infusion, resin flows freely through the hollow center of the spiral tube. At the same time, the spiral openings along the tube wall allow resin to exit gradually and distribute evenly into the composite layup.

This design creates an efficient linear resin feed path, especially along edges, corners, or long-distance infusion areas where stable resin distribution is essential.

Compared with traditional resin feeding methods, spiral tubes improve resin flow consistency and help reduce infusion defects caused by uneven resin supply.

Working Principle of Spiral Tube in Vacuum Infusion

In vacuum infusion processes such as VARTM, VARI, or vacuum bag molding, maintaining a stable resin flow channel under vacuum pressure is extremely important.

JLON spiral tubes are placed near the resin inlet area or along the mold edge. Once vacuum pressure is applied, resin is pulled through the center of the spiral tube at high speed. The resin then gradually exits through the spiral gaps and enters the flow media or laminate structure.

The main functions include:

· Creating a fast resin transportation channel

· Distributing resin evenly along long infusion edges

· Improving wet-out efficiency of fiberglass or carbon fiber laminates

· Reducing dry spots and incomplete impregnation

· Supporting stable vacuum infusion over large composite parts

Because the spiral structure maintains internal space even under atmospheric pressure, the resin channel remains open throughout the infusion process.

Advantages of JLON Spiral Tube

1. Excellent Resin Distribution Efficiency

The spiral structure allows resin to flow quickly through the center while continuously feeding resin into the laminate through side openings.

This ensures:

· Faster infusion speed

· More uniform resin distribution

· Better laminate consistency

· Reduced risk of dry areas

For large composite parts such as wind turbine blades, boat hulls, FRP panels, and carbon fiber structures, efficient resin distribution is essential for production quality.

2. Strong Tube Wall Prevents Collapse Under Vacuum

JLON spiral tubes are manufactured from durable HDPE material with optimized wall thickness.

Under vacuum pressure, the tube maintains its structure and does not easily deform or collapse. This guarantees a continuous resin flow path throughout the infusion process.

Stable resin channels help improve process reliability and reduce production risks.

3. Lightweight and Economical

Compared with complex resin distribution systems, spiral tubes offer a very cost-effective solution for vacuum infusion applications.

Benefits include:

· Low material cost

· Easy installation

· Reduced labor complexity

· Suitable for disposable infusion setups

· Compatible with most infusion consumables

This makes spiral tubes widely used in both industrial-scale production and small composite workshops.

4. Wide Process Compatibility

JLON spiral tubes are compatible with multiple composite molding technologies, including:

· Vacuum Infusion Process (VIP)

· Vacuum Assisted Resin Transfer Molding (VARTM)

· Resin Infusion under Flexible Tooling (RIFT)

· Light RTM

· Vacuum Bagging

· Marine Composite Manufacturing

· Carbon Fiber Lamination

They can be used together with:

· Flow media

· Vacuum bagging film

· Peel ply

· Infusion mesh

· Resin traps

· Silicone connectors

Typical Applications of Spiral Tube

Wind Energy Industry

In wind turbine blade manufacturing, long-distance resin infusion requires stable and efficient resin distribution systems.

Spiral tubes are commonly used along blade edges and resin inlet lines to ensure smooth resin transfer across large composite structures.

Marine and Boat Building

Boat hulls, decks, and marine sandwich panels often use vacuum infusion technology to achieve lightweight and high-strength structures.

JLON spiral tubes help maintain uniform resin flow during infusion of fiberglass and carbon fiber marine components.

Automotive Composites

Automotive lightweighting increasingly relies on carbon fiber and fiberglass composite parts manufactured through vacuum infusion or RTM processes.

Spiral tubes help improve production efficiency and laminate quality in automotive composite applications.

FRP Panels and Industrial Composites

FRP panels, pipes, tanks, and industrial composite structures require consistent resin impregnation.

Using spiral tubes improves infusion uniformity while reducing production defects.

Carbon Fiber Manufacturing

High-performance carbon fiber parts demand accurate resin control.

Spiral tubes support smooth resin feeding and help achieve better fiber wet-out and improved mechanical properties.

JLON Spiral Tube Specifications

JLON offers various spiral tube sizes to meet different infusion requirements.

ID*OD (mm)	Thickness	Working Temperature
8 × 10	1 mm	120°C
10 × 12	1 mm	120°C
12 × 14	1 mm	120°C
16 × 19	1.5 mm	120°C
19 × 23	2 mm	120°C

Custom diameter, pitch, and wall thickness are available upon request.

Why Choose JLON Spiral Tube?

JLON focuses on high-performance composite materials and vacuum infusion consumables for global composite manufacturers.

Our spiral tubes provide:

· Stable quality

· Strong vacuum resistance

· Excellent resin flow performance

· Multiple size options

· Reliable supply capability

· Competitive pricing

· Technical support for infusion processes

With extensive experience in composite manufacturing applications, JLON supplies products widely used in wind energy, marine, transportation, construction, and industrial composite industries.

How to Select the Right Spiral Tube

Choosing the correct spiral tube depends on several factors:

Resin Flow Distance

Large parts may require larger diameter spiral tubes to maintain sufficient resin flow rate.

Resin Viscosity

Higher viscosity resin systems may require larger internal diameters for smoother flow.

Part Geometry

Complex molds may need customized spiral layouts for balanced infusion.

Vacuum Pressure Stability

Stronger wall thickness provides better anti-collapse performance in demanding applications.

JLON technical team can assist customers in selecting the most suitable spiral tube specifications for different composite manufacturing processes.

Conclusion

Spiral tubes play an essential role in modern vacuum infusion and composite manufacturing processes. By creating a stable and efficient resin distribution channel, they improve infusion speed, laminate quality, and production consistency.

JLON HDPE spiral tubes combine excellent flow performance, strong structural stability, and cost efficiency, making them an ideal solution for fiberglass, carbon fiber, marine, wind energy, automotive, and industrial composite applications.

For more information about JLON Spiral Tube specifications, customization options, and vacuum infusion solutions, please contact our technical team.