As the description of the main composite technologies shows, tooling is the key element of any production process. Most of the tooling is also made of composite materials by means of moulding.
On same requirements for the surface quality and wear resistance of the tooling are much higher than the final product made with tooling.
Gelcoat, barrier layer or skin coat and matrix resin are the main materials used to produce tooling.
Main suppliers:
Basic materials:
OPTIMOLD
Tooling resin with low-shrinkage additives. Depending on the size of the mould, a very thick laminate can be made in one or several stages. Ensures the stable dimensions and surface quality of the matrix.
SLEM RS
6060LP
Polyester resin with low-profile additives to reduce shrinkage <0.2%. HDT 90 °С. Gel formation time 30 minutes.
SLEM
RS2030
High-quality tooling polyester resin. For big moulds. Shrinkage <0.8%. HDT 70 °С. Gel formation time 40 minutes. Is made in 1-2 layers.
NORSODYNE
Н 44
Skin coat isophthalic resin with excellent mechanical properties, high chemical and thermal resistance. It is applied as the first layer after gelcoat.
POLYCOR
Tooling
High wear resistance and low shrinkage matrix gelcoat. Ensures maximum gloss and surface reflexion during the lifetime of the matrix. It can be vinyl-ester or isophthalic-based. Available in spray-on and brush-on versions. Colours: green, black, orange and transparent.
SLEM
PF07E/
PF10E
Lightweight polyester extrudable paste for making a master model or foam tooling.
MARBOCOTE
Full set of semi-permanent release agents for various production processes, selected to fit the binder, degree of gloss, and application method.
