What causes improper chop patterns during application?

Improper chop patterns during application are primarily caused by incorrect gun orientation. This involves the angle and positioning of the spray gun used to apply the fibers and resin. When the gun is not angled correctly, the cut strands of fiber cannot be evenly distributed, leading to uneven application and improper patterns. Proper orientation ensures a uniform spray that produces consistent coverage across the surface being applied, which is critical in composite construction for strength and integrity.

While other factors, such as the quality of resin, temperature during application, and the type of fiber used, can significantly influence the overall outcome and effectiveness of the composite material, they primarily affect curing, bonding, and the general performance of the composite. However, these factors do not directly relate to the specific issue of chop pattern application as significantly as gun orientation does. Therefore, the primary cause of improper chop patterns can be attributed to the way the application equipment is utilized.