When using epoxy or polyester for molds ?


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Zorongo
Zorongo
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Hi all.

I'm making small size epoxy parts, but sometimes I've made them whith polyester. Room temperature curing, hand lay up with small presure over the laminate (counter mold)

I had demolding problems with a polyester mold and someone told me a "rule of thumb": Use polyester molds for polyester parts and epoxy molds for epoxy parts.

(I'm actualy using PE molds for epoxy parts without any problem) So, the question is: Whe should I use epoxy molds ?

An epoxy mold seems to be better fron the dimensional stability point of view..

It also seems logical to make the molld similar to the part if high temp increases are expected (prepregs, exotherms ?) to reach a similar diatation / contraction on both and avoiding stresses....

Could you please share your experience ?

Thanks in advance Wink
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Warren (Staff)
Warren (Staff)
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PVA is a good barrier release agent for issues like this with "green" moulds.  The styrene can still cause problems with waxs and chemical release agents.

It is common practice with traditional moulds made in polyester to either wait for the mould to season a little, or use PVA for the first few pulls to get around any issues with styrene still being present.

Warren Penalver
Easy Composites / Carbon Mods - Technical Support Assistant
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