|
Fiberglass molds are made from composites tooling materials and are used to make multiple copies of a part which may have a complex shape. They do wear down over time from use, but can last for many years and can be used to make hundereds of parts.
DAK Plastics is not in the mold making business, but we do work closely with very experienced composites tooling shops for when new molds are needed or existing molds need re-designed. We store all molds within our warehouses to keep them protected. We maintain all molds by keeping them clean and waxed to get the most possible use from them. Molds can be made for both the open and closed mold processes.
A newer, and increasingly more popular form of fiberglass manufacturing is a closed mold process that includes light resin transfer method (LRTM) and bagging. The closed mold process requires two molds for each part. These two molds are closed together and material is transfered into them. Bagging requires a rubber bag be made and used as a form for the finished part. Hand held spray guns are used to apply gel coat material. Materials such as mat, foam, wood or metal are hand-layed into the molds. The molds are then closed so that the catalysed resin material may be injected through tubes pressurized by air compressors. The part sets up within the closed molds, is pulled and taken to final finishing.
The customer determines the specifications of the part. This includes the type(s) of composites materials to be used and the thickness of the applications. In the closed mold process, psi of air pressure and amount of material required is then established. These settings are used thereafter as a method of consistency.
The closed mold process does not generate hazardous air pollutants or other emissions, other than during the initial gel coat application. This process eliminates the need for rolling, trimming, and the use of spray guns and spray booths for resin, catalyst and gun roving application. It creates an overall cleaner and less labor intensive facility when compared to the open mold process, which is one major benefit for everyone.
DAK Plastics began offering the closed molding process in 2006 in order to offer more options to our customers. We continuously work to improve our methods of administration.
|