Is a one piece mould possible here?

Talk Composites - The Forum for Advanced Composites

Back

Is a one piece mould possible here?

Author	Message
Steve Broad	Steve Broad posted 8 Years Ago HOT Topic Details
Group: Forum Members Posts: 408, Visits: 4.1K	I would like to make a one piece mould (less work) of the front of my Elan so I can make a one piece flip front. The bonnet will be fitted and blended in prior to making the mould. I can't see any locks. The mould should flex around the wheel arch lips. Can anyone see any problems? Attachments elan body mould thoughts.jpg (721 views, 124.00 KB)
	Reply Like 2
Replies
oekmont	oekmont posted 8 Years Ago HOT Post Details
Group: Forum Members Posts: 550, Visits: 27K	I have made quite a few carbon sandwich car bodys. You can believe me, when i tell you, that a mold, that can be flexed 2-3cm by hand will not stay in shape during the bagging process. This is a minor problem, if the part ýou are doing will be flexi too. But you will have a hard time, bending a 5mm part back in place.
	Reply Like 2
MarkMK	MarkMK posted 8 Years Ago HOT Post Details
Group: Forum Members Posts: 338, Visits: 2K	If you're making a mould suitable for pre-preg, then I'm guessing that it'll need to be reasonably sturdy and able to withstand the required cure temperatures anyway, so a bit of flex in the finished part looks necessary to de-mould, but hopefully that'll be there around the side sections. I think I'd likely consider putting the parting line laterally along the forward-most tip of the nose. This way you'll be able to focus on releasing the more intricate bumper area in one section and it'll present a relatively straightforward angle of release. This will then, hopefully, allow you to flex the panel a bit more when getting out the top panel and side wheel arch sections. I don't think that splitting it down the centre will offer you much in terms of making things easier.
	Reply Like 3
Steve Broad	Steve Broad posted 8 Years Ago HOT Post Details
Group: Forum Members Posts: 408, Visits: 4.1K	+x MarkMK - 10/17/2017 12:43:27 PM If you're making a mould suitable for pre-preg, then I'm guessing that it'll need to be reasonably sturdy and able to withstand the required cure temperatures anyway, so a bit of flex in the finished part looks necessary to de-mould, but hopefully that'll be there around the side sections. I think I'd likely consider putting the parting line laterally along the forward-most tip of the nose. This way you'll be able to focus on releasing the more intricate bumper area in one section and it'll present a relatively straightforward angle of release. This will then, hopefully, allow you to flex the panel a bit more when getting out the top panel and side wheel arch sections. I don't think that splitting it down the centre will offer you much in terms of making things easier. Good point. Making the joint along the front of the bumper also makes tidying it up afterwards a lot easier.
	Reply Like 3
Steve Broad	Steve Broad posted 8 Years Ago HOT Post Details
Group: Forum Members Posts: 408, Visits: 4.1K	+x oekmont - 10/17/2017 12:32:39 PM I have made quite a few carbon sandwich car bodys. You can believe me, when i tell you, that a mold, that can be flexed 2-3cm by hand will not stay in shape during the bagging process. This is a minor problem, if the part ýou are doing will be flexi too. But you will have a hard time, bending a 5mm part back in place. Thanks for that. Could I get away with a 3mm core? I am also considering making the part using infusion instead of prepreg as I have the equipment, resin and cloth. Which method did you use?
	Reply Like 3