Engineering Tool

Composite Laminate & Resin Calculator.

Accurately calculate theoretical cured laminate thickness, fiber volume fraction (Vf), resin consumption, and finished part weight across carbon fiber, fiberglass, and aramid fabrics.

ASTM Micromechanics Standard

1. Reinforcement Specification

Step 1
g/m²

Weight of dry reinforcement fabric per square meter.

Standard Weights:
8 plies

Total number of fabric layers in laminate schedule.

2. Process & Matrix System

Step 2
54.0%
%

Higher Vf increases mechanical stiffness-to-weight ratio and reduces excess resin weight.

3. Part Surface & Batch Sizing (Optional)

Step 3
15%

Allowance for resin infusion feed lines, spiral wrap, catch pot, and laminate edge trimming (recommended 10–20%).

Calculation Results

Real-time micromechanics output

ISO 2768
Total Cured Thickness
2.08 mm 0.082 in

Calculated at target Vf compaction

Single Ply Thickness 0.260 mm
Total Laminate Areal Weight 2,963 g/m²
Laminate Stack Visualisation 8 Plies
1.66 mm
▲ Tool Face (Vacuum Bag) ▼ Mold Surface (Tooling A-Side)
Fiber Weight (Wf): 63.2% Resin Weight (Wr): 36.8%

Material Requirements for Part (1.00 m²)

Dry Fabric Required:
1.60 kg
Theoretical Resin (Zero Waste):
0.93 kg
Recommended Resin Batch (incl. Waste):
1.07 kg
Part A (Base Resin) (100 pbw): 823 g
Part B (Hardener) (30 pbw): 247 g
Finished Part Net Weight:
2.53 kg
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Engineering Tool

Governing Micromechanics Principles

In composite manufacturing, single cured ply thickness is governed by the conservation of solid volume under compaction (ASTM D3171 / D2584 standards). Cured ply thickness (t) equals dry fabric areal weight (Aw) divided by fiber density (ρf) and fiber volume fraction (Vf).

1. Single Ply Thickness: t = Aw / (1000 × ρf × Vf) mm

2. Total Laminate Thickness: T = N × t mm

3. Resin Areal Weight: Wr = (Aw / Vf) × (1 - Vf) × (ρr / ρf)

Composite Engineering FAQ

Why does vacuum infusion achieve a higher Vf than hand layup?
Under vacuum infusion (VARI), atmospheric pressure (approx. 1 bar / 14.5 psi) compacts dry plies tightly before resin is introduced, eliminating trapped air voids and restricting resin channels to microscopic inter-filament spaces. This yields a higher fiber-to-resin ratio (Vf 52–58%) compared to manual wet contact layup (Vf 30–38%).
How much extra resin should I mix for vacuum infusion?
For vacuum infusion, calculate the net laminate resin requirement plus a 15% to 20% process allowance to fill spiral distribution tubing, vacuum omega channels, in-line catch pots, and feed lines.
Can I combine different fabric weights in one laminate?
Yes. In hybrid or multi-weight schedules, calculate each ply subgroup individually and sum the thicknesses. For example, 2 plies of 200 gsm 3K twill on the visual surface over 4 plies of 600 gsm 12K carbon or woven roving for structural core thickness.