Not always easy to tell from pictures. Is there are return lip on the bottom that's required on the finished part. If so I'm seeing a 5 piece mould. Top, bottom and 3 segments for the sides. The two undercuts (closest to the top and bottom) seem like natural split lines for the top and bottom pieces of the mould. Not a straight forward part to mould or produce, if your new to this I would be giving this one some careful thought. Although you say the center area of the top is not needed I would still incorporate this into the mould/ part and trim it afterwards.

Good luck Warren

Carbon Copies Ltd

Hi,


Wonder if I really need to make one top part of the plug? Only lip is going to be used, the rest will be cut out for shaft and propeller.

But I think its a good idea to make 3 parts all the way up to the front to easy get the parts out of the mould?


Any ideas and suggestions when you can see these pictures??

As above a 3 piece mould is likely to be best.  Probably one piece for the top recess, then one for each half would mean it should release ok as long as the bulges aren't too big. Maybe 4 pieces if the bulges look likely to mechanically lock with 3 parts.

The layup technique in principle is as simple as you described.  Being wet lay spend as much time as possible getting out any trapped air using a bristle roller. Less trapped air will mean a better cosmetic finish.

Warren Penalver
Easy Composites / Carbon Mods - Technical Support Assistant

I take it that what is int the pictures is your "plug" for the shape of the cowling?


If so that looks like a candidate for a three or four part split mould, along the length of the piece.


You need to get a good surface on the plug, then take your mold from that.

take a look at the split mould tutorial on the EC website, browse through the many threads here, where CF-mad individuals have posted their plugs, moulds and finished parts..

The rest is straight forward.   I would lay it up by hand in just a few layers of 200gsm  CF, that would make it very light..

Vacuum bag it and thats it ...

Good luck!!

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Hi,