MOLDS/TOOLS

Molds/Tools

Base Materials launches new polyurethane tooling board products for molding processes

Three new specialist products include BP600 medium-density and BP1200 and BP1700 abrasion-resistant, high-density PU tooling materials for vacuum forming, thermoforming, automotive modeling and more.

Ginger Gardiner
Senior Technical Editor, CompositesWorld

Base Materials launches new polyurethane tooling board products for molding processes
ATLAM combines composite tape laying, large-scale thermoplastic 3D printing in one printhead
ATL/AFP

ATLAM combines composite tape laying, large-scale thermoplastic 3D printing in one printhead

CEAD, GKN Aerospace Deutschland and TU Munich enable additive manufacturing of large composite tools and parts with low CTE and high mechanical properties.

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Molds/Tools

Addyx carbon exoskeleton technology enables molded ribs inside hollow composite structures

Using a water-soluble mandrel, carbon exoskeleton opens paradigm for topology-optimized composites, cutting weight, manufacturing time and scrap rate.

Molds/Tools

Adapa announces Curve Works as new co-investor

Curve Works owner Dr. François Geuskens is taking a proactive management role as Adapa’s CTO to continue broadening the functionality, application of the company’s adaptive mold system.  

Molds/Tools

Base Materials showcases Ares 770 tooling material

Ares 770 is designed for the manufacture of master models and patterns used in the production of carbon fiber parts, as well as vacuum forming and thermoforming.  
#wingoftomorrow #space

Big parts? Big tooling breakthrough

Electrically heated carbon fiber/PEEK/ceramic tooling and powdered epoxy resin system could revolutionize production of large composite aerospace structures.
#adhesives #autoclave #windblades

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Molds/Tools |

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.
#troubleshooter

Videos / Podcasts

Clemson Composites Center leads research in low-cost composite tooling
Additive Manufacturing

Clemson Composites Center leads research in low-cost composite tooling

Innovative technology approach to use additive manufacturing and artificial intelligence to produce tools faster, at a lower cost and with less environmental impact.  
#composites4-0

Museum of the Future composites cladding panels being installed
Construction

Composites enable epic interior for Museum of the Future

For this one-of-a-kind lobby, AFI pioneered digital, reconfigurable molds to achieve organic-shaped, multifunctional panels and stairwell cladding.
#insidemanufacturing

Ex-Core Technologies' Ex-Core 2.0 system features intelligent self-heated tooling, custom-mixed core
Molds/Tools

Ex-Core Technologies' Ex-Core 2.0 system features intelligent self-heated tooling, custom-mixed core

Debuted at JEC World 2022, Ex-Core 2.0 is said to slash production costs compared to conventional prepreg sandwich processes and produce lighter, stronger parts.

JEC 2022 FRP rebar
Energy Storage

JEC World 2022, Part 3: Emphasizing emerging markets, thermoplastics and carbon fiber

CW editor-in-chief Jeff Sloan identifies companies exhibiting at JEC World 2022 that are advancing both materials and technologies for the growing AAM, hydrogen, automotive and sustainability markets.
#windblades #sustainability #wingoftomorrow

Improve production with five-axis machines built for composites
Cutting/Kitting

Improve production with five-axis machines built for composites

Virtually tour (4) USA-Made 5-Axis CNC Machines designed and engineered to help companies improve profits by decreasing cycle times and improving part quality. (Sponsored)

Converting from hand layup to open mold spray-up process
Digital Demos

Converting from hand layup to open mold spray-up process

In this Digital Demo, Sam Cruz, MVP's Senior Product Manager, talks about how to convert from hand lay-up process to spraying fiberglass and offers an overview of the benefits. (Sponsored)

Thermwood Boeing large scale additive manufacturing of composite tool
Aerospace

Collaborative Boeing-led project validates large-scale composite AM tooling

The U.S. Navy-funded program demonstrated a large-scale, autoclave-curable 3D-printed carbon fiber composite tool using a Thermwood LSAM machine.
#application #wingoftomorrow #space

Formnext Forum Austin
Molds/Tools |

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.
#troubleshooter #composites-basics

Louis C. Dorworth Direct Services Manager, Abaris Training Resources
Massivit 3D wins IBEX Innovation Award for additive composite tooling system
Additive Manufacturing

Massivit 3D wins IBEX Innovation Award for additive composite tooling system

The Massivit 10000 provides automated, high-speed tooling for composite materials manufacturing, finds foothold in marine industry.    

Plyable secures $3.2 million investment to advance custom composite marketplace solution
Molds/Tools

Plyable secures $3.2 million investment to advance custom composite marketplace solution

Funding from Maven Capital Partners, Solvay Ventures and VC Forward Partners backs growth of time- and cost-saving digital composite tooling product.  

Clemson Composites Center leads research in low-cost composite tooling
Additive Manufacturing

Clemson Composites Center leads research in low-cost composite tooling

Innovative technology approach to use additive manufacturing and artificial intelligence to produce tools faster, at a lower cost and with less environmental impact.  
#composites4-0

Epoxies

HORYZN emergency UAV harnesses CFRP tooling from Voith Composites

Voith Composites collaborated with HORYZN, a student initiative that leverages CFRP tooling and composites know-how for its Mission Pulse UAV project.  

Additive Manufacturing

Fortify, polySpectra awarded $3 million by DOE to advance 3D-printed tooling

Fortify is to develop inexpensive, durable solutions for lightweighting automotive components using polymers, composites and metals, advancing vehicle part commercialization.  

Carbon Fibers

Voith Composites partnership with Gazechim Group delivers Carbon4Tool tooling system to Europe

With Gazechim Group as the European distributor, Voith hopes to empower faster, easier and more effective CFRP tool manufacturing via its next-generation technology.  
#composites4-0

Additive Manufacturing |

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.  
#feature

Peggy Malnati Contributing Writer

NEW PRODUCTS: MOLDS/TOOLS

Base Materials launches BE368 epoxy tooling board
Molds/Tools

Base Materials launches BE368 epoxy tooling board

Medium-temperature material is designed for the manufacture of master models, patterns, jigs and fixtures.  

CAMX 2022 exhibit preview: Symmetrix Composite Tooling
CAMX Expo

CAMX 2022 exhibit preview: Symmetrix Composite Tooling

Symmetrix Composite Tooling highlights its high-quality sub-millimeter-accurate composite tooling services and its ability to undertake a wide variety of projects.  
#camx

Solvay launches LTM 350 low-temperature composite tooling prepreg 
Carbon Fibers

Solvay launches LTM 350 low-temperature composite tooling prepreg 

Carbon fiber epoxy prepreg sets new standards in cost-efficient composite tooling with fast layup, fast initial cure and short post-cure cycles.  

Ex-Core Technologies' Ex-Core 2.0 system features intelligent self-heated tooling, custom-mixed core
Molds/Tools

Ex-Core Technologies' Ex-Core 2.0 system features intelligent self-heated tooling, custom-mixed core

Debuted at JEC World 2022, Ex-Core 2.0 is said to slash production costs compared to conventional prepreg sandwich processes and produce lighter, stronger parts.

PRF Composite Materials launches Q.tool prepreg tooling system
Epoxies

PRF Composite Materials launches Q.tool prepreg tooling system

Newly developed Q.tool combines RP800 epoxy with 1,020 g/m2 bulk plies for increased layup speed, reduced number of debulks and better surface finish.

External, internal mold release systems
Molds/Tools

External, internal mold release systems

Acmos Inc. has published a product brochure that outlines the types and capabilities of mold release systems offered by the company.

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