Possibilities of replacement of two side metal molds for the production of two facing side composite by one side mold

Abstract

Presented research paper deals with possibilities of replacement of conventional mold materials by new, unconventional. Traditionally, laminate, wood or gypsum molds (in the case of small production series) are used for the production of composite parts. Furthermore, milled aluminum molds are conventionally used only for mass production. Due to this, thin metal sheet was prepared as an unconventional production mold for manufacturing of motorbike facing part. Vacuum bagging using prepared one side mold was chosen as the most appropriate technology. Normally, two facing sides are not commonly manufactured using this technology. Because of this, possibilities to create two facing sides at areas that are not in contact with mold itself were investigated. Presented results can help manufacturing companies with their production and considerably decrease manufacturing costs due to not necessity to use two side molds. © 2016. Published by Manufacturing Technology.