Bleeder fabric

Compiled by Juli Case

We’ve received a couple of requests for “bleeder” fabric, but that’s a material we’re not familiar with. Any ideas?

A bleeder fabric is typically part of a composite material and is used in applications such as vacuum bagging. A “breather” will evacuate air, while the “bleeders” absorb excess resins so that they don’t go somewhere they might become a problem. Bleeder fabrics can be made from several different fiber types and are typically made of nonwoven constructions. In some instances, one fabric can act as both a breather and a bleeder.

Juli Case is IFAI‘s information and technical services manager.