Composites Molds/Tools
Composite parts are typically formed in molds, also known as tools (see CompositesWorld’s introduction to fabrication methods for a primer on manufacturing methods). Tools can be made from virtually any material. For parts that will be produced in low quantities and can be cured at ambient or low temperature, or for prototype parts, where tight control of dimensional accuracy isn’t of prime importance, materials such as fiberglass, high-density foams, machinable epoxy boards or even clay or wood/plaster molds often are suitable.
Latest Molds/Tools Articles
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Adapa reconfigurable mold technology replaces one-off fabrication
From hand lamination to thermoforming, the company’s adaptive mold enables the production of complex, curved structures without the waste or time associated with more traditional molds.
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Fyous launches infinitely reusable manufacturing mold tech
PolyMorphic Moulding technology uses 28,000 digitally controlled pins to create a shape from a 3D CAD shape in less than 20 minutes, achieving zero waste and enabling parts production 14 times faster than 3D printing.
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TPI, UMaine, ORNL to leverage world’s largest polymer 3D printer for wind turbine tooling
Ingersoll Masterprint LFAM printer will be used to produce and demonstrate 100% recyclable tooling that could cut large composite blade development cycles and tooling costs by as much as 50%.
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Century Tool investment boosts efficiency, capability in tooling for composites
Designer and builder of compression molds for composite structures installs seven-axis CNC deep-hole drilling and milling machine to improve productivity.
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Massivit, Sika to co-brand digital tooling materials for Massivit 10000 series
Strategic MOU initially introduces SikaBiresin CIM 120 and SikaBiresin CIM 80 to serve crucial composites market needs for 3D printing tooling, prototyping and more.
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Belotti to integrate hybrid BEAD system with Adaxis AdaOne software
Through this strategic collaboration, BEAD’s additive and subtractive capabilities for large-scale AM composite tooling production are made more accessible.
Read MoreKnowledge Centers
Closed mold processes offer many advantages over open molding. This knowledge center details the basics of closed mold methods and the products and tools essential to producing a part correctly.
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CW’s editors are tracking the latest trends and developments in tooling, from the basics to new developments. This collection, presented by Composites One, features four recent CW stories that detail a range of tooling technologies, processes and materials.
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This CW Tech Days event will explore the technologies, materials, and strategies that can help composites manufacturers become more sustainable.
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Latest Molds/Tools News And Updates
Plyable releases AI-powered mold design tool
Plyable continues to rid composites engineers of workflow bottlenecks through an end-to-end automated system — from mold design to quotation to manufacturing fulfillment.
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Comprehensive group portfolio targets holistic engineering, tooling and epoxy resins
JEC World 2024: The RAMPF Group is bringing together three of its divisions — RAMPF Composite Solutions, RAMPF Tooling Solutions, and RAMPF Group Inc. — delivering a variety of materials and services to the composites industry.
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National Composites announces partners with compression toolmaker Laval
The new alliance will broaden National Composites’ capabilities in SMC and BMC and tooling, while providing customers with comprehensive solutions, from initial design to final delivery.
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Belotti retrofits Vega CNC center in BEAD hybrid machine for D-Composites
Combined LSAM and five-axis CNC milling capabilities will optimize D-Composites’ production services, flexibility and cut time and cost for composite tooling manufacture.
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PRF Composite Materials granted U.K. patent for Q.tool
Innovative prepreg tooling is highly drapable, capable of forming complex carbon fiber tooling shapes, in addition to reducing through thickness porosity and only requiring one debulk during layup.
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ORNL conducts sustainability analysis of 3D-printed composite molds
A comprehensive lifecycle, cost and carbon emissions study on carbon fiber molds, produced for New York’s concrete Domino building, cites economic benefits over wood alternatives.
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Featured Posts
Mold 3D printing helps automate composite bathtub, shower production
As part of its efforts to automate as much of its production process as it can, Lyons Industries acquired a Massivit 10000 additive manufacturing system to quickly produce high-performance molds and support fixtures.
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3D-printed CFRP tools for serial production of composite landing flaps
GKN Aerospace Munich and CEAD develop printed tooling with short and continuous fiber that reduces cost and increases sustainability for composites production.
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Plant tour: Airtech International, Springfield, Tenn., U.S.
Fifty years of supplying materials for composites manufacturing includes custom fabrication and now aims to advance 3D-printed tooling, parts and new resins.
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Nine factors to consider when designing composites cure tooling
Gary Bond discusses the common pitfalls and compromises when designing good cure tooling and their holistic significance for a robust composite production process.
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Proper application of semi-permanent mold release systems
Performing regular maintenance of the layup tool for successful sealing and release is required to reduce the risk of part adherence.
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Metal AM advances in composite tooling, Part 2
Toolmakers and molders continue to realize the benefits of additive versus conventional/subtractive manufacturing of molds and mold components.
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