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.

Troubleshooting thermoplastic composite stamp forming
Molds/Tools

Troubleshooting thermoplastic composite stamp forming

Understand the basic science of TPC stamp forming, a manufacturing process steadily gaining momentum in aerospace and mobility applications thanks to its rapid forming, short cycle times and automated methods.

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Latest Molds/Tools Articles

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Molds/Tools

Kaneka, Janicki reveal study results for TP2230 BMI tooling prepreg

Lowering cure temperatures without compromising durability, Kaneka Aerospace BMI prepreg TP2230 offers aerospace manufacturers a pathway to reduce tooling costs and lead times while maintaining high-temperature capability.

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Molds/Tools

Acquisition joins MPM Group and Lamplas GFRP, composite molding expertise

MPM Group’s strategic alignment of the two businesses will build enhanced capability, technical expertise and broader market reach in the U.K.

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Molds/Tools

DFS Composites acquires Mexico wind blade tooling facility, expands North American operations

With a new 300,000-square-foot site in Ciudad Juárez, DFS Composites boosts its global footprint and ability to supply composite tooling for wind energy across the Americas.

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Molds/Tools

Plyable secures Automated Molding feature patent

First EU and U.K. patent builds in a new level of protection for customers using the company’s AI-powered mold design software.

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Molds/Tools

Techmer PM HiFill GF-PET material system bridges low, high-temp tooling gap

GF-PET compound delivers dimensional accuracy, thermal stability and accessible shape compensation data for high-performance 3D printed tooling applications.

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Scalable automation technologies drive composites efficiency, consistency

CAMX 2025: Learn how Magnum Venus Products’ equipment portfolio is evolving, with a focus on MVP Motion line, INV3, IPD, Nitrotherm spray and Flex Molding technologies.

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Knowledge Centers

CW Tech Days: Sustainability
CW Tech Days: Sustainability

This CW Tech Days event will explore the technologies, materials, and strategies that can help composites manufacturers become more sustainable.

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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

Thermoplastics

DLR study considers cast PA6 molds for in situ AFP composites

3D printed thermoplastic mold was analyzed as alternative to expensive, time-consuming metallic molds and for suitability in aerospace-grade composite structure fabrication.

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CAMX

Prepreg innovations commit to cost, energy consumption reduction

CAMX 2025: PRF Materials is highlighting Reepreg, its novel Q.tool recycled innovation and will be providing updates on its Product Development and Innovation Centre.

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CAMX

Layup molds, vacuum fixtures address aerospace tooling trends

CAMX 2025: Technical Tooling is integrating advanced materials, digital process compatibilities and automation into its low-CTE Ravin layup molds and Vacu-Grip fixture offerings to meet evolving needs.

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Molds/Tools

Mokon becomes U.S. distributor for orcinus temperature, flow manifolds

Mokon will manufacture the enesty GmbH brand’s orca and smartshark touch-free temperature and flow manifold devices, for use with select water systems, at its facility in Buffalo, New York.

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Molds/Tools

Italian craftsmanship shapes RIM, RTM expertise

CAMX 2025: Lanulfi Moulds, serving a diversified portfolio, is available to discuss and demonstrate how its custom RIM/RTM molds can elevate performance, shorten cycle times and reduce overall production costs.

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Molds/Tools

Low-temp demold BMI prepreg enables low-cost master molds

CAMX 2025: Kaneka Aerospace 250°F BMI prepreg tooling, developed in collaboration with Janicki Industries, elevates composite tooling capabilities.

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Featured Posts

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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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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Infusion

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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Automotive

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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RTM

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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