Composite Tooling

Composite tooling is the making of tools from composite materials. This article focuses on wet lay-up methods and techniques that are used to fabricate prepreg tooling. It discusses the advantages and disadvantages of composite tools. The article describes the process considerations for composite tool design, such as master model or pattern design selection, fiber and fabric selection, resins, and surface coat and ply. Various tool laminate construction techniques, such as curing and demolding, and cutting and trimming, are reviewed. The article also describes the substructure design for the construction of tool laminates.