Molds/Tools
Concert hall composites: Acoustic alchemy
Massive composite acoustic structures will reflect and diffuse sound to heighten audio quality in a new high-profile performance space.
Read MoreTooling for composites: Evolutionary trajectory
New technologies and improved methods keep up as tools get bigger and more complex and toolmaking gets ever more challenging.
Read MoreTooling boards improve processes
In the composites industry, many parts are the product of one-off or few-of-a-kind production programs. In response, tooling material suppliers today provide an increasing variety of relatively inexpensive materials grouped under the heading of tooling board.
Read MoreNew options for trapped tooling
Trapped tool removal can be difficult, but leaving the tool in place can compromise part weight and function. Here, HPC reports on several new approaches to this demolding dilemma.
Read MoreWater tree: Single complex mold shapes unique composite sculpture
To fabricate a complex design for a lighted sculpture, sculptor Lawrence Argent taps the talents of composites specialists Kreysler and Assoc. (American Canyon, Calif.).
Read MoreProper mold care: Mandatory!
CT surveys mold care product suppliers for guidance through the critical steps of mold preparation and maintenance.
Read MoreLow-volume thermoplastics: Differential pressure molding
Cost-effective tooling and presses enable semi-automated prototyping and low-volume production of thermoplastic composites.
Read MoreCabin cruiser: Making the most of a mirror finish
The hull mirror-like gel coat finish on the Daedulus 30 cabin cruiser was achieved through a combination of Marine Concepts’ (Lee-on-the-Solent, Hampshire, U.K.) mold design experience and fabrication techniques and materials provided by Scott Bader (Wollaston, Northamptonshire, U.K.).
Read MoreMaintaining fiber length in complex 3-D designs
Award-winning composite pallet showcases new LFT molding process from South Africa.
Read MoreSQRTM enables net-shape parts
New out-of-autoclave process combines resin transfer molding with prepregs for complex helicopter part prototype.
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