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.

Laser cleaning in composites manufacturing
Molds/Tools

Laser cleaning in composites manufacturing

Laser cleaning technologies for cleaning production molds for composites offer alternatives to harsher, less-friendly methods with features like automation and higher power cleaning.

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microwire technology for composites

Latest Molds/Tools Articles

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CAMX

Eco-friendly precision tooling offers flexibility, consistency

CAMX 2025: For more than 50 years, Coastal Enterprises has supported design, prototyping and composite layup applications with its Precision Board urethane tooling board and custom bonding offerings.

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Molds/Tools

Moore Brothers Co. acquires Symmetrix Bristol in Rhode Island

Merging of the two teams, which includes the acquisition of Symmetrix’s composite tooling assets and a move to its flagship facility, will establish wide-ranging and complementary skills.

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LFAM specialization caters to 3D printed composite tooling, molds

CAMX 2025: AES is committed to driving technological advancement and application development in 3D printing, distinguishing its diverse capabilities through several tooling examples.

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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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Molds/Tools

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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Molds/Tools

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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Knowledge Centers

Sensors for Composite Processing
Sensors for Composite Processing

Discover the types of sensors being used in composites, the physics on which they�re based, their installation, promised benefits and challenges, as well as the potential they offer for even further developments in smart structures.

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The CAMX Forecast
The CAMX Forecast

Headed to CAMX? Preview the technology before the show!

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Latest Molds/Tools News And Updates

Molds/Tools

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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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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Molds/Tools

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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Molds/Tools

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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Molds/Tools

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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Featured Posts

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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Molds/Tools

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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Curing

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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Plant Tours

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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Molds/Tools

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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microwire technology for composites