Molds/Tools

Aerospace 1 Apr 2015

Ascent Tooling Group ascends via innovation

The world’s largest metal and composite moldmaker has a new name and continues to make a name for itself in closer control of large-part dimensional tolerance.

Cutting/Kitting 2 Mar 2015

Looking for Lindberghs

Every paradigm-shifting invention throughout human history has been met with skepticism. CW editor-in-chief Jeff Sloan says the composites industry has need of those willing to attempt what most believe impossible.

Natural Fibers 2 Mar 2015

Incremental thinking just won’t cut it!

Composites industry consultant and regular CW columnist Dale Brosius says if this industry is to have a future that goes anywhere profitable, then we've got to get off the road we're on and map out a whole new way to think about the tasks at hand.

Carbon Fibers 18 Feb 2015

Quasi-isotropic, symmetrical fabric for tooling

Well-known in structural applications, this symmetric, balanced and quasi-isotropic fabric offers savings and opens opportunities in composites tooling.

Marine 2 Feb 2015

Moldmaker bypasses patterns for high-tech production catamarans

Direct-to-milled-tool process simplifies large deck mold development.

Molds/Tools 1 Feb 2015

Getting part dimensions right in composites molding

Guest columnists Dr. Göran Fernlund (left) and Dr. Anoush Poursartip (right) of Convergent Manufacturing Technologies (Vancouver, BC, Canada) argue that today's CAD design and process simulation software can construct a "multi-physic process model" accurate enough for reliable dimensional management.

Autoclave 21 Jan 2015

Composite tooling without oven or autoclave

No Oven No Autoclave technology has been demonstrated in tooling for NASA, including multiple thermal cycles and use for curing epoxy infused out-of-autoclave parts.

Hi-Temp Resins 12 Jan 2015

SOURCEBOOK 2015: The online edition

Welcome to the online SOURCEBOOK, the searchable, updatable, Internet-based counterpart to CompositesWorld's annually published print SOURCEBOOK.

Adhesives 12 Jan 2015

Tooling (2015)

Composite parts are formed in molds, also known as tools. Tools can be made from virtually any material. The material type, shape and complexity depend upon the part and length of production run. Here's a short summary of the issues involved in electing and making tools.

Adhesives 1 Aug 2014

Composites business does grow on trees

This advanced composites contractor welcomes down-to-earth opportunities to bring aerospace quality to fantasy foliage.

Eliminate Quality Escapes With LASERVISION AI

Release agents and process chemical specialties

UV cured powder coatings for carbon fiber