Composites Molds/Tools

Composite parts are typically formed in molds, also known as tools (see ÂÌñÏ×ÆÞ’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.

VIDEO: Enhancing composite tooling with additive manufacturing
JEC

VIDEO: Enhancing composite tooling with additive manufacturing

At JEC World 2025, CW editor-in-chief Scott Francis explored the latest advancements in composite tooling with Massivit and Sika.

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Latest Molds/Tools Articles

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JEC

Five-minute autoclave augments high-volume TPC manufacturing

JEC World 2025: Corebon unveils a system solution that eliminates the need for traditional autoclaves and presses, delivering consistent, high-quality TPC parts in less than 5 minutes.

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JEC

Production technology variety supports CFRP, GFRP and paper honeycomb component designs

JEC World 2025: BBG GmbH & Co. KG’s global reach and decades of experience provide a single source for molds, mold and press systems, as well as end-to-end production lines.

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Molds/Tools

Modular, curved racing track design enabled by composites and adaptive molds

X-Track worked with bespline to develop an easy-to-install, reusable, customizable composite sandwich panel alternative to dirt BMX and motorcross tracks.

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Bladder-assisted compression molding derivative produces complex, autoclave-quality automotive parts

HP Composites’ AirPower technology enables high-rate CFRP roof production with 50% energy savings for the Maserati MC20.

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Juggerbot 3D announces MSU, ORNL as partners for hybrid LFAM composites project

Air Force-funded initiative looks to LFAM thermoset, thermoplastic advancement for fast, inexpensive composite tooling production.  

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Molds/Tools

Base Materials introduces BE890 epoxy tooling board

Base Materials introduces a high-performance, toughened epoxy tooling board designed for thermoforming and vacuum forming processes, direct-to-part applications and more.

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Knowledge Centers

Design, Simulation and Testing Technologies for Next-Gen Composite Structures
Design, Simulation and Testing Technologies for Next-Gen Composite Structures

Review the state of the art in design, simulation, failure analysis, digital twins, virtual testing and virtual inspection.

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CW Tech Days
CW Tech Days

During CW Tech Days: Thermoplastics for Large Structures, experts explored the materials and processing technologies that are enabling the transition to large-part manufacturing.

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Latest Molds/Tools News And Updates

Airtech, Ascent Aerospace partner to accelerate AM tooling adoption

A combination of Airtech’s 3D printing materials and Ascent’s production capabilities aim to support increased use of composite additive tooling in spaces like defense and aerospace.

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Trends

Jamco America partners with Airtech for 3DP tool recycling

Aerospace manufacturer joins forces with composite materials company to achieve sustainable manufacturing practices that overcome traditional composite layup tooling. 

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Composite tooling specialist displays compression mold capabilities

CAMX 2024: Century Tool specializes in the in-house design, build and run-off of dimensionally large parts and Class A surface tooling.

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Glass Fibers

Norco GFRP molds meet high-quality cast concrete beam production needs

A project with P&M successfully achieved manufacture of six 20-meter-long architectural beams for an R&D facility with near-seamless surfaces and on a tight production schedule.

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Molds/Tools

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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Molds/Tools

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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Featured Posts

Corebon induction heating

This sidebar to CW’s August 2024 feature article reviews this technology for more efficient composites manufacturing and why it aligns with Koridion active core molding.

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Molds/Tools

Optimized rib-reinforced hollow composites via printed molds

Addyx topology optimization and water-soluble mandrel enables simultaneous rib and skin layup for one-shot, high-strength, lightweight structures.

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Automation

Plant tour: BeSpline/Addcomp, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada

Composites automation specialist increases access to next-gen technologies, including novel AFP systems and unique 3D parts using adaptive molds.

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Application

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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Aerospace

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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Molds/Tools

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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