Composites Molds/Tools
Composite parts are typically formed in molds, also known as tools (see CompositesWorld’s introduction to fabrication methods for a primer on manufacturing methods). Tools can be made from virtually any material. For parts that will be produced in low quantities and can be cured at ambient or low temperature, or for prototype parts, where tight control of dimensional accuracy isn’t of prime importance, materials such as fiberglass, high-density foams, machinable epoxy boards or even clay or wood/plaster molds often are suitable.
Latest Molds/Tools Articles
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Moore Brothers Co. acquires Symmetrix Bristol in Rhode Island
Merging of the two teams, which includes the acquisition of Symmetrix’s composite tooling assets and a move to its flagship facility, will establish wide-ranging and complementary skills.
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LFAM specialization caters to 3D printed composite tooling, molds
CAMX 2025: AES is committed to driving technological advancement and application development in 3D printing, distinguishing its diverse capabilities through several tooling examples.
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VIDEO: Enhancing composite tooling with additive manufacturing
At JEC World 2025, CW editor-in-chief Scott Francis explored the latest advancements in composite tooling with Massivit and Sika.
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Five-minute autoclave augments high-volume TPC manufacturing
JEC World 2025: Corebon unveils a system solution that eliminates the need for traditional autoclaves and presses, delivering consistent, high-quality TPC parts in less than 5 minutes.
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Production technology variety supports CFRP, GFRP and paper honeycomb component designs
JEC World 2025: BBG GmbH & Co. KG’s global reach and decades of experience provide a single source for molds, mold and press systems, as well as end-to-end production lines.
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Modular, curved racing track design enabled by composites and adaptive molds
X-Track worked with bespline to develop an easy-to-install, reusable, customizable composite sandwich panel alternative to dirt BMX and motorcross tracks.
Read MoreKnowledge Centers
During CW Tech Days: Thermoplastics for Large Structures, experts explored the materials and processing technologies that are enabling the transition to large-part manufacturing.
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The composites industry is increasingly recognizing the imperative of sustainability in its operations. As demand for lightweight and durable materials rises across various sectors, such as automotive, aerospace, and construction, there is a growing awareness of the environmental impact associated with traditional composite manufacturing processes.
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Latest Molds/Tools News And Updates
Juggerbot 3D announces MSU, ORNL as partners for hybrid LFAM composites project
Air Force-funded initiative looks to LFAM thermoset, thermoplastic advancement for fast, inexpensive composite tooling production.
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Base Materials introduces BE890 epoxy tooling board
Base Materials introduces a high-performance, toughened epoxy tooling board designed for thermoforming and vacuum forming processes, direct-to-part applications and more.
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Airtech, Ascent Aerospace partner to accelerate AM tooling adoption
A combination of Airtech’s 3D printing materials and Ascent’s production capabilities aim to support increased use of composite additive tooling in spaces like defense and aerospace.
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Jamco America partners with Airtech for 3DP tool recycling
Aerospace manufacturer joins forces with composite materials company to achieve sustainable manufacturing practices that overcome traditional composite layup tooling.
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Composite tooling specialist displays compression mold capabilities
CAMX 2024: Century Tool specializes in the in-house design, build and run-off of dimensionally large parts and Class A surface tooling.
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Norco GFRP molds meet high-quality cast concrete beam production needs
A project with P&M successfully achieved manufacture of six 20-meter-long architectural beams for an R&D facility with near-seamless surfaces and on a tight production schedule.
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Featured Posts
Bladder-assisted compression molding derivative produces complex, autoclave-quality automotive parts
HP Composites’ AirPower technology enables high-rate CFRP roof production with 50% energy savings for the Maserati MC20.
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Corebon induction heating
This sidebar to CW’s August 2024 feature article reviews this technology for more efficient composites manufacturing and why it aligns with Koridion active core molding.
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Optimized rib-reinforced hollow composites via printed molds
Addyx topology optimization and water-soluble mandrel enables simultaneous rib and skin layup for one-shot, high-strength, lightweight structures.
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Plant tour: BeSpline/Addcomp, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
Composites automation specialist increases access to next-gen technologies, including novel AFP systems and unique 3D parts using adaptive molds.
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Mold 3D printing helps automate composite bathtub, shower production
As part of its efforts to automate as much of its production process as it can, Lyons Industries acquired a Massivit 10000 additive manufacturing system to quickly produce high-performance molds and support fixtures.
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3D-printed CFRP tools for serial production of composite landing flaps
GKN Aerospace Munich and CEAD develop printed tooling with short and continuous fiber that reduces cost and increases sustainability for composites production.
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