Talk Composites - The Forum for Advanced Composites

Using epoxy tooling board to make CNC machined patterns and moulds

http://www.talkcomposites.com/Topic23543.aspx

By Matt (Staff) - 6/23/2017 9:58:08 AM

Hi All,

http://www.easycomposites.co.uk/images/talkcomposites/EP700-Epoxy-Tooling-Board-Prepreg-Moulding.jpg


We're now stocking epoxy tooling board at Easy Composites HQ. In the next few weeks we'll be producing some tutorial videos about end-to-end production of really high-end composite moulds, starting off by CNC machining epoxy tooling board and then sealing the board before using it to produce prepreg moulds. Epoxy tooling board can also be used to make the moulds (tools) themselves for smaller production runs which of course can make the mould making process quicker whilst reducing cost (where you only need a limited number of pulls).

I thought I'd strike up a conversation about CNC machining patterns or moulds to see if there are any particular areas that people would particularly like to see in the videos or understand better about the process.

If you have any questions or anything to input on the subject, please fire away Smile

All the best, Matt
By Warren (Staff) - 6/28/2017 11:46:48 AM

Hi Mick,

Hopefully we will be able to show some good detail and information in the forthcoming tutorials.

In the mean time I would recommend you read the Technical Data Sheet which does contain some starter settings for rough and fine cut passes when machining the board.  You can find the datasheet here: EB700 High Temperature Epoxy Tooling Board TDS
By Warren (Staff) - 10/5/2017 8:19:56 AM

The board is quite hard and rigid so I can't imagine a needle would push through unless the board is cut into a thin section.

The epoxy block and board sealer as a pattern making system has the potential to save massive amounts of time.  As said, if you have a CAD image, you can simply get the block cut at your convenience  saving a lot of man hours making a pattern by hand.  Also you will get a high degree of accuracy by CNC cutting the model board.