An open mould system used to consolidate the laminate and remove air and volatiles from the laminate structure. Composite laminates fabricated from carbon fibre, pre-pregs, e-glass, epoxy or polyester can all be put under vacuum during lay-up to achieve this.

By aligning the fibre orientation with the direction of principle stress high structural efficiency and fibre ratios are achieved. Typical applications include aerospace, race car and marine structures and mouldings.