I have some exiting tooling from previous projects that are quite large that we would like to be able to use with 350 degree prepreg materials. The tools were used for several 250 degree parts and were originally cured at 280 degrees when made. Can anyone give some guidance on if this is possible and areas of concern if we take the tooling to 350 degrees?
No-one can tell without knowing the properties of the tooling resin.
I think you are taking a risk, unless knowing what it is made of. And then it needs a careful scheduled postcure, IF the Tg can be pushed over 350 degrees.
+1 on that. Depends on the resin. If you have a tool to spare (small one) test it out, or maybe even just a piece of one (like, cutting off a large flange edge, etc)
Also, depending on the prepreg, it might be able to cure at a lower temp, just for much longer.
Without the resin build sheet info attached to the mold…you’ll be guessing at best if the tool could be slowly ramped up to the 350* without failing.
Its a risk for sure without the details in hand.