The use of composite materials is rapidly growing in both the automotive and aerospace industries as designers strive to produce the lightest possible design while retaining optimal strength

Two main techniques are used :

Die compression moulds

A two sided mould tool is manufactured from steel or aluminium with a gap between the two sides equal to the wall section of the part. Fibre matting pre-impregnated with resin is laid up in the gap. The tool is then placed in a high temperature press which applies heat and pressure to the composite.

Bladder moulding

The mould is made with a single cavity to produce the outer form of the part. the inner hollow form is produced by inflating a flexible membrane bladder in contact with the composite material. The tool is heated and the composite is pressed outwards into the shape of the moulding.

We have experience in modelling both of these types of composite mould tool.  Including providing overflow and overlap areas for trimming and edge machining.

Why not get in touch and let us know your requirements. I am sure you will be pleasantly surprised at how quickly and cost effectively we can create a composite tool model for you.

It is important to have the right tools for the job.

Fortunately for us, the software we use for composite tool modelling is designed with composite tooling in mind and therefore gives us ideal tools for working with this type of tooling. Some of the features that are particularly useful are:

• The ability to import data from almost any other CAD system with total reliability (even systems that are renowned for being difficult eg: Catia) - We can read native data from a great number of CAD systems.
• Great tools for repairing poor original data.
• Tools and wizards to speed up the splitting of the data into the 2 sides of the tool
• The ability to work in solids or surfaces and swap quickly between them.
• Automatic tools for identifying undercut or minimal draft areas.
• Morphing techniques to enable quick changes to be made to the shape of the part without time consuming re-modeling.