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Works best for simpler parts that will be manufactured more than once
Slow process, not ideal for high production rate
Much harder for larger and more complex parts
Produces lots of waste and is very expensive when the parts are only made once since each infusion requires
Wet layup:Prepreg layup:
A very messy process
Requires a lot of skill and experience to make a good part
Very labor intensive
Not good for making several of the same part
Cannot have a very detailed part
Poor corner consolidation
Thermoforming:
Products can be broken if they’re stretched too much or exposed to extreme temperatures
More wasteful than the conventional methods because of this
Restricted to making parts with thin walls
Walls can be uneven and have weak spots
Cannot make as versatile a part as other methods
Vacuum forming:
May need to do additional finishing work after vacuum forming a part
Vacuum forming cannot produce a very detailed part
Clear or light-colored parts can show debris from the mold