The performances of PiercanTech Compression Bladders
Piercan specializes in manufacturing high temperature natural rubber latex bladders used for molding by compressing composite material. These bladders are also used in the molding process by infusing fabrics with liquid resins.
Complex shapes
customized
customized
Reduction in the
manufacturing cost
manufacturing cost
Perfect control
of the finished part
of the finished part
Rapid
implementation
implementation
Optimized weight
of the finished
composite part
of the finished
composite part
Bladders molding
Compression bladders advantages
Fields of Application
Bladder Manufacturing
The bladders are manufactured by immersing a dip mould in a latex bath and then it is vulcanized.
DIP MOLD DESIGN
Using a file, a 3D scan (photogram-metry) of the male mold or of the composite part, the mould is manufactured by 3D printing.
DIPPING TECHNIQUE
The mold is dipped in a coagulant bath then in a high temperature natural latex bath. The thickness of the layer depends on the dipping time. After vulcanization, the bladder is removed from the dip mold.
![]()
PIERCAN’S STRENGTHS
PIERCAN’S STRENGTHS• Reusable bladders
Even if their low cost makes them “disposable”, the bladders are generally reused over multiple cycles (3 to 5), when the curing temperatures do not exceed 140°C approximately.
• Reduction in the finishing costs
• Perfect thickness control of the composite layer
• Precise control of the inner shape, smooth
Due to high compression pressures (from 7 to 250 bars), the finished composite parts show no folds and a smooth interior finish.
• No welding seam mark
• Rapid implementation
The moulds can be pre-heated which allows them to be used in successive cycles.
![]()
HIGH TEMPERATURE NATURAL RUBBER
HIGH TEMPERATURE NATURAL RUBBERADVANTAGES OF HIGH TEMPERATURE NATURAL RUBBER :
• Cheapest amongst the usable elastomers
• Natural rubber is clearly more cost effective than silicones.
• Easiest material to process
• Good mechanical and elastic properties (elongation at break > 800%).
• Good resistance
• Resistance to high temperatures (1H00 at 175 °C / 20H00 at 120 °C).
• Resistance to pressure (up to 14 bars).
• Complex shapes
The creation of a composite part with bladder
To mold a composite part, an inflatable device is used (bladder) in a female cavity (female mould) to ensure compression during the curing ofthe composite.
1• Dipping: to the left, the aluminium male mandrel and to the right, high temperature natural rubber bladder manufactured by dipping.
2• Drape forming: Carbon fabric layers (prepare) are placed around the bladder, inside the aluminum female mould.
3• Curing: after the mold is closed, the bladder is inflated to plate the prep-reg in the mold (up to 6 or 8 bars), then we proceed to the curing.
4• Removal from the mould: once the curing is complete, the bladder is deflated and the mould is opened; the bladder removed and the part is sent for finishing.
Fields of Application
CYCLING
Competition | Recreation | seats,forks, handlebars, wheels, frames, etc.
SPORTS
baseball, hockey, golf, tennis,biking, paddling, rowing, etc.
AUTOMOBILE
General public | F1 | spoilers, rearviewmirrors, air inlets, oil tanks, etc.
AVIATION
cushions, under carriages, propellers, etc.
OTHERS
violin bows, tubes and all types of hollow articles, etc.
Let your imagination run wild:
moulding composites with a bladder is adapted to prototypes, small and large series (within a short
period of time and at competitive rates).
Piercan is at your service!
Piercan France
+33 (0)1 45 88 66 27
Piercan US
(760)599-4543
Piercan accompanies you from the study to the realization of your Compression Bladder. From the expression of your needs, we bring you the right solution, via a controlled process (study, manufacturing, control) where the respect of quality is the object of all our vigilance.
