Talk Composites - The Forum for Advanced Composites

Composite die's for gilt-metal or copper impressions

http://www.talkcomposites.com/Topic13683.aspx

By Craig - 11/8/2014 8:28:28 PM

Hi,

I'm thinking of trying to form some thin metal sheet between two dies in a press.

Here is an example of a form cast in lead. 
http://www.hagatorn.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/13_BC-05-01-c-1024x857.jpg

I'm thinking of casting the dies in aluminium but would also like to consider composites.  I believe that some Dies are made using one tool steal and one urethane http://www.acrotechinc.com/metal-forming/.  I thought about experimenting with a hybrid of this system as urethane is cheaper and easier to handle than cast aluminium.

Would a cast Urethane be the most advisable composite?  Should it be re-enforced with any glass or fibre product.  I was initially attracted to it as I believe it is less brittle than many resins.
By kidpaint - 2/9/2015 2:29:55 AM

How many are you planning on making? If just a few. Then just some hardwood, will be strong enough. Depending on how thick of metal you plan on pressing. There is a material called Kerksite (not sure if im spelling that right) its a metal that can be used to make several more stampings, but not 100s. Otherwise Uhmw plastic lower with a harder top is a good way to do it, unless you have access to tool steal and want to painstakingly design an upper and lower die and make stampings for life. Have you thought about a silicone mold and just making them out of fiberglass and painting them the desired color. Look up things such as Hammer forms, flow forming, etc on youtube and i think youll get several ideas.