Hey everyone I am starting a new project and I was wonderig if anyone has used PVC pip as a mold. how does it do with the resin temps? and how well does it release? Im looking to make a “elbo” or a 3" pip with a 33 degree bend in it. I am gonna cut it in half then wat lay up then vacuum bag it. after the part cures I am going to make another one them bond them together. Does this seem logical and will it work with PVC?
It will work. I had to make a bunch of composite tube samples for testing and didn’t want to make a mold. I used wax and PVA for the release and they released nicely. I did mine in one shot with bladder. I used hose clamps to hold the PVC pipe halves together.
I’m not sure what you mean by resin temps. I cured the parts to 145*F in the PVC molds.
Just do not melt the PVC.
If I recall correctly, only ISO-NPG resin sticks well to PVC. (that is, without release)