High-temperature tooling boards, liquids, adhesives and fabrics

Freeman Manufacturing & Supply Co. (Avon, Ohio, U.S.) offers a wide range of composite materials and tooling products for the automotive, aerospace, prototyping, foundry and other industries. Its product lines include a range of options such as machinable media, liquid tooling, adhesives and repair materials, fabrics, sheet wax, tools and hardware and other categories. 

In addition to the tried-and-true industry staples, Freeman is featuring more recent innovative materials such as RenShape BM-5060, a high-performance, high-temperature epoxy board. This 45 lb/ft³ board features a very fine surface structure, optimized machinability, dimensional stability and heat resistance up to 284°F. It is well-suited for applications such as high-temperature curing prepregs, draping tools for prepreg and master models.

For a higher temperature option, Freeman highlights its Black Corintho 800 (49 lb/ft³ density) and Black Corintho 1100 (68 lb/f.³ density) polyurethane boards, which offer up to 400°F heat resistance and low coefficient of thermal expansion; they are both suited for wet layup and high- or low-temperature curing prepreg.

As a one-stop shop, Freeman also offers liquids, adhesives and fabrics suitable for high-temperature applications such as those including BM-5060. Visitors will find information on these related high-temperature materials at the company’s booth.

Freeman 4105, an unfilled high-temperature laminating system, offers a low viscosity and improved wet out for applications requiring service temperatures up to 350°F. Freeman 5001, a medium-speed epoxy adhesive, is designed to closely match the color and hardness of RenShape BM-5060. It features a 90-minute gel time and a light handling time of 24 hours. Both products are ideal for bonding RenShape BM-5060.

Chemlease MPP 2180, a heavy-duty mold primer, provides a smooth, non-porous surface for the application of semi-permanent sealers and release agents. It is ideal for preparing and sealing BM-5060 as well as polyester, epoxy, phenolic and metal.

Moreover, the company’s line of fabrics include fiberglass, carbon fiber and aramid which are available pre-impregnated with epoxy resin for ease of processing and handling. These prepreg fabrics are commonly used for aircraft interiors, radomes, secondary aircraft structures and sandwich panels. They are reported to be very compatible with RenShape BM-5060, which can withstand the high temperature curing process required.