SURFACETEC™: Understanding & Improving Surface Finish

Composite surface finish remains a key challenge in composite manufacturing. Surface defects such as print-through, pinholes, voids and resin inconsistencies often require extensive sanding, filling and finishing operations, increasing production cost, processing time and variability between parts.

To better understand the factors influencing composite surface quality, James Cropper undertook a programme of independent testing to evaluate the impact of surfacing veils on finished composite appearance. The study compared composite laminates manufactured with James Cropper’s SURFACETEC™ veils against competitor veil technologies and laminates produced without a surfacing veil.

The results demonstrated a measurable improvement in composite surface roughness. SURFACETEC™ laminates achieved up to 70% lower surface roughness than competitor veil technologies and up to 77% lower surface roughness than laminates manufactured without a surfacing veil.

More importantly, the findings highlight how surfacing veil architecture influences resin distribution, surface consistency and post-processing requirements. By creating a more uniform resin-rich surface, SURFACETEC™ helps minimise print-through and localised defects while reducing the need for secondary finishing operations.

For manufacturers, this can mean smoother as-moulded surfaces, more consistent production outcomes and reduced reliance on labour-intensive sanding, coating, painting and rework.

CASE STUDY

Understanding & Improving Surface Finish

What causes print-through, pinholes and surface variation in composite parts? Using independent testing, ISO 4287 surface roughness measurements and 3D surface imaging, this case study explores the factors that influence composite surface quality and demonstrates how surfacing veil architecture can help manufacturers achieve smoother, more consistent as-moulded surfaces. Discover how reducing surface roughness can minimise secondary finishing operations, improve production efficiency and support more consistent manufacturing outcomes.

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