What is the primary purpose of using bagging material during the lamination process?

Using bagging material during the lamination process is primarily intended to facilitate curing. Bagging is a technique that involves enclosing laminate components with a vacuum bag, which helps create a controlled environment that promotes even heat distribution and consistent pressure during the curing phase. This results in a well-cured composite material with optimal strength and bond integrity.

Additionally, the vacuum bagging process allows for the removal of air and excess resin, which leads to a reduction in voids and enhances the overall quality of the laminate. While cleanliness and protection of tools might be beneficial side effects, they are not the main reasons for the application of bagging material. The focus on curing underscores the necessity of achieving a reliable and high-performance composite structure, which is critical in aerospace applications where safety and efficiency are paramount.