When a composite part needs to be reproduced numerous times, it is efficient to build a mold from which the part can be reproduced. Properly molded composite parts emerge perfectly shaped every time and require little post-finishing work. Molds are commonly made of polyester resin with a variety of reinforcements. For a quick, simple mold for one-time use, casting urethanes are an inexpensive and reliable option.
Male and female molds are the two fundamental types of forms, but they yield significantly different parts. Male (or positive) molds are generally less time consuming and less costly to create in comparison to female (or cavity) molds. However female molds offer numerous advantages for medium to large production runs.
For an in-depth description of the steps necessary to create accurate, high-quality, low-distortion molds for producing composite parts, please read the Mold Construction article in our Learning Center. Shop our favorite selection of fiberglass reinforcements, casting urethanes, epoxy and polyester resins, and tooling gel coats!
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Particularly lightweight and thin, our #241 2-ounce Plain Weave Fiberglass is ideally suited as a surface...
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This 4-ounce Plain Weave Fiberglass Fabric is our most popular selection for use as a surface fabric, with...
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The 10-ounce Plain Weave—also known as Style 7500—is the most frequently chosen boat cloth. It is...
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When you're looking to build thickness into a mold with limited time, this #254 tooling fabric is the right...
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Woven Roving provides an inexpensive means to laminate large, flat areas that call for rapid build-up and high...
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1.5 oz/sq ft, 38" & 50" Wide, 0.045" Thick Chopped Strand Mat is most frequently used with polyester resin to...
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#90 Isophthalic Polyester is perfect for fabricating dimensionally stable polyester molds and corrosive service...
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Tooling Gel Coat is an abrasion resistant gel coat for making molds where gloss retention, superior hardness,...
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