Not strictly composites related question, but wonder if anyone has experience of making resin tools for vacuum forming?
Was thinking of using epoxy system, mixed 50/50 with aluminuim powder, for making tools with a GRP mould.
You mean to use resin as the molds, heck yes…in the class we even used Plaster of Paris (painted coating to allow the mold releases to stay on top and not to soak in) molds to vacuum form for many years!
What size and any undercuts or what not? I have been making and using them for 20+ years and I’m only 52 years old. :eek:
US Gypsum has special casting materials that is easy to work with and drys so hard that you can mill or machine on them!
Want to use resin tools to vacuum form small motorcycle parts, and intend to use epoxy/aluminuim powder to make the tools.
Obviously the tooling is going to need to be heat resistant and as durable as possible, so thought epoxy would probably be the best choice.
You might want to check out some of Huntsmans products.