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Author Archives: MasterNet Ltd.

  1. Optimize your process and product quality with Bi-planar Mesh Vacuum Resin Infusion Techniques

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    Crew at MasterNet Bi-Planer Mesh productionTips to boost your infusion process performance

    Resin infusion techniques are changing the manufacturing game, offering an effective way to create high quality composite parts.

    However, inconsistent mold fill, dry spots, rough surfaces, or excess resin, along with slow cycle times and unnecessary weight can eat into your profits.

    There is a solution: a well-executed resin infusion process using bi-planar plastic mesh netting.

    Plastic mesh netting is a simple yet powerful tool that ensures the resin spreads evenly, leading to superior parts. The key, is understanding how to control resin flow within the mold using netting.

    Let’s break down how plastic mesh netting performs. We’ll share some tips for getting the best results with resin infusion.

     

    What is Resin Infusion Flow Media?

    – A simple explanation

    Resin infusion flow media, also known as flow channels or infusion mesh netting, acts like a highway for resin to travel through your mold during vacuum infusion.

    Its job is to spread the resin evenly across your laminate, making sure there are no dry spots and that all the reinforcing fibres are completely impregnated.

    This helps remove trapped air and strengthens your composite materials, resulting in better mechanical properties and a smoother surface finish.

     

    Why choose Bi-planar Plastic Mesh netting?

    Extruded Resin Flow Mesh is a diamond-shaped netting that’s designed for smooth resin flow while keeping resin waste to a minimum.

    MasterNet’s Bi-planar mesh is a great value option that delivers both speed and efficiency.

    There are many types of infusion flow media, but bi-planar plastic mesh netting is a popular choice because it’s so versatile and effective at managing resin flow.

    Whether you need tube netting or open mesh designs, our plastic net adapts to complex shapes. This makes it easy to create high-quality parts for everything from aerospace components used in aircraft, to marine structures and boat parts.

    It’s lightweight, durable, and a perfect solution for a wide range of composite manufacturing processes.

     

    Key considerations for developing resin flow patterns

    Flow Simulation and Analysis

    Using flow simulation software allows you to predict your resin flow patterns. It lets you see how the resin will move and spot any potential problems before you start the infusion process.
    This helps you fine-tune the placement and configuration of your flow media for optimal results.
    It’s where knowledge, creativity, and the right infusion flow media options come together.

    Focus on the Resin Infusion Mesh: the Primary flow driver

    The way you position bi-planar mesh in the mold can affect how the resin flows.
    Bi-planar mesh has strands running in two perpendicular directions, which helps the resin spread in multiple directions. How the mesh is oriented relative to the flow direction and the geometry of the mold, will affect the resin flow behaviour.

     

    Here are 5 important resin infusion factors to consider:

    1. Alignment with Flow Direction: Placing the mesh parallel to the main flow direction helps the resin move faster and more evenly. Orient the mesh alignment towards more complex harder to fill areas that are further away from the resin entry points.

    2. Obstruction to Flow: Placing the mesh perpendicular to the main flow can slow down or obstruct the resin. This is actually helpful in areas with high mesh density or where a smoother surface is desired.
    Too fast a flow can negatively impact finished surface quality in higher mesh densities. You’ll definitely want to slow the flow by introduction of an obstruction.
    Proper placement of this perpendicular orientation can serve 2 purposes: slow the flow in the resin entry direction and help resin flow in secondary directions, improving overall distribution within the mold.

    3. Combination of Orientations: For complex molds, you might use a combination of mesh orientations, using different layers, to direct the resin exactly where it needs to go.

    4. Mold Geometry Considerations: The shape of your mold – including corners, angles, and complex shapes – will also influence how the resin flows.
    You’ll need to adjust your mesh orientation to match the specific needs of your mold. Mesh orientation can be tailored to create a consistent resin-flow “front”.

    5. Using Resin Spiral Tube or Mesh Rope: In addition to the infusion mesh, there are other tools you can use to help control resin flow.
    Our resin spiral tube is like a pipe that can push larger amounts of resin into hard-to-reach areas. Mesh rope is another option that offers a range of flow options based on its thickness and porosity.
    Both options can be used in combination with other mesh layers to create the necessary flow pattern.

     

    Why Resin Infusion Techniques matter?

    Achieving even resin flow is crucial for making high-quality composite parts with resin infusion.
    Plastic mesh netting is a versatile tool that gives you the flexibility, performance, and reliability you need to optimize your process. By understanding how resin flow works and using the right resin infusion techniques and materials, you can take your composite manufacturing to the next level.

    MasterNet offers bi-planar resin infusion mesh in 350’ rolls at 41” wide, along with a wide variety of flow rope options to suit your needs.

    Interested in learning more about our products?

     

  2. Plastic mesh netting: An industry proven specialty packaging solution

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    net bags for packaging

    Essential packaging factors for consideration:

    Shelf impact and product protection

    Imagine a simple packaging solution so powerful it could elevate your product from ordinary to compelling on the retail shelf. This packaging method is the strategy that industry giants rely on for maximizing appeal and safeguarding quality… and by using it, gain a subtle but significant contribution to profits. We’re talking about plastic mesh netting.

    There are a number of key benefits with plastic mesh netting you might not be aware of… but should be. Benefits that compound over time to give you real results on the top (and bottom!) line.

     

    The packaging you use has an impact:

    The mesh netting advantage

    In the competitive world of retail, packaging isn’t just about protection — it’s about making a statement. Great packaging lets the visual appeal of the wrapped product stand out.

    Mesh netting can be a packaging secret weapon (on a subliminal level), blending functionality with visual appeal. Other forms of packaging just can’t match netting. They either visually cover too much of the product, utilize far too much material, or reduce the life of the product.

    Discover how mesh netting can boost your product presentation, safety, and quality, while also reducing spoilage.

     

    Breathability and visibility:

    The dual powers of mesh netting

    Oyster Bags in IceNetting utilized in seafood packaging and placed over ice, conveys the image of freshness.

    Fruits and seafood are vibrant and inviting, showcased through clear, breathable mesh netting.

    Practically speaking, the breathable nature of mesh netting ensures proper airflow, thereby extending the shelf life of perishable items.

    But this isn’t just about “freshness”, nor making products stand out; it’s about speaking directly to consumers’ desires for quality and freshness.

    By stoking those desires, you will sell more product. And that translates into more sales and a bigger bottom line.

    Mesh netting offers a peek into product quality, all while maintaining that crucial freshness longer, thanks to its breathability. Plus, it subtly discourages unnecessary handling, keeping those blemishes at bay and reducing waste.

    Next, let’s explore the considerable ability of mesh netting to prevent breakage, even though it has the lowest mass and takes up the least space of any other type of packaging.

     

    Bottle netting:

    Beverage protection with hidden benefits

    various liquor bottles in mesh nettingIn the bustling beverage industry, bottle netting stands as a revolutionary solution, especially for glass-encased drinks.

    From fine wines and premium spirits to artisanal concoctions and flavored waters, the risk of breakage is a constant concern.

    At its most basic, plastic mesh provides a cushioning layer, reducing the risk of breakage and minimizing damage during handling.

    But bottle sleeve netting can also convey a more upscale product offering, by giving the perception of protecting containers that have higher value contents. It’s a subtle nod to luxury, cradling high-value beverages in a way that suggests premium care and quality.

    And it’s not just about safety and quality perception; these nets are a canvas for creativity, offering brands the chance to weave their identity and branding directly into the packaging design and colors.

    Psychologically speaking, pushing the emotional “quality” drivers of consumers makes them see the products as having better value, and subliminally drives more purchases. “Quality” packaging translates to the belief that what’s IN the package is a quality product… driving more sales. That translates to the top line and profits, as higher prices can be charged for similar costing products (all else being equal).

    But what about the common objection of “plastic” being non-environmentally friendly? Let’s address that issue head-on.

     

    Eco-friendly packaging:

    Mesh netting’s role in sustainable practices

    In today’s world, where sustainability is more than a buzzword, MasterNet’s mesh netting stands out as a game-changer.

    MasterNet’s eco-friendly mesh netting is breaking the mould of traditional packaging by being reusable, recyclable, and even biodegradable.

    Choosing mesh netting means taking a bold step towards environmental stewardship, significantly cutting down on plastic waste and reducing your carbon footprint. Depending upon your mesh design for diamond opening, strand and knot thickness, the amount of plastic used versus a film bag could be substantially reduced.

    With proper consumer education and communication, you can position mesh netting on the positive side of environmental challenges. And once consumer’s fears are allayed, all the other benefits of mesh netting become more “front-of-mind” for your customers.

     

    Adaptability:

    The cost-saving advantage of mesh netting

    Onions in mesh netting packagingMesh netting stands as a uniquely adaptable solution in the packaging world, perfectly molding to any product’s shape and size – from the tiniest berries to the largest melons, and even the most irregularly shaped items.

    Its customization doesn’t stop at fit; it extends to mesh sizes, colours, and the ability to weave in branding, all aimed at crafting a standout consumer experience.

    Beyond just aesthetics, mesh netting’s adaptability significantly streamlines the packaging process, potentially lowering operational costs by reducing excess material use and optimizing packaging efficiency. In addition, inventory storage space requirements of mesh netting provide cost savings: simply put, you need less space to store mesh netting than other types of bulk packaging.

     

    From garlic netting to gourmet:

    Niche applications of mesh netting

    Mesh netting stretches its capabilities far beyond traditional packaging, venturing into specialized niches with remarkable cost-saving and revenue enhancing effects.

    Take the simple garlic bulb, often nestled in mesh for enhanced shelf life and flavor preservation, thanks to mesh’s ability to prevent moisture accumulation. This principle extends to the delicacies of the gourmet world, where artisan cheeses and cured meats thrive within mesh’s breathable embrace. This ensures both freshness and quality are maintained to the highest standard.

    If you think creatively, many more retail packaging tactics will come to mind.

     

    Mesh netting:

    More than just a stretchy net

    In wrapping up, plastic mesh emerges as more than a packaging option; it’s a tactical business advantage, enhancing visibility, protecting products, and aligning with green initiatives – all contributing positively to both top-line growth and bottom-line profits.

    Mesh netting stands out for its blend of innovation and practicality, promising substantial benefits for those who adopt it.

     

    Interested in learning more about our products?

     

  3. Technology Forefront

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    When the Hartman family founded MasterNet in 1988 they had one goal in mind…To design, engineer and manufacture the best quality netting products on the market. Their reputation for quality rapidly earned them recognition as world leaders in their field.

    “Manufacturing high quality extruded netting products demands strict attention to detail and a constant awareness of processing parameters.”

    Belpas Technology Forefront Issue 21-4

    Read the article HERE.