What is this stuff?!

General Composites Discussions Composites Talk
#1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVYZDsc6XWo

This is a vid from the new US Formula 1 team. Overall an interesting video, but I’m curious about the yellow material they are using for plug and mold production.

It’s first shown around 1:12. It appears to be some sort of foam-like material, but they actually are doing prepreg layups and autoclaving directly onto it. Surely it must be fairly dense to give good surface finish, and not deform under pressure/vacuum, but at the same time, it machines and saws without any sign of melting.

Thanks!

Kevin

#2

I know of resins being used. Few years ago it was still epoxy.

#3

Epoxy tooling blocks. They spray a coating after machining to seal the surface. Then they lay up the tooling and cure it at low temp and pressure.
Very common method.

#4

What’s the spray?

#5

There are various sealers/primers/paints. Depends on temp and expected life. Polyester, Vinylester, Epoxy, Urethane.

#6

I found a purpose specific sealer from huntsman, from what I can tell it’s only intended for some of their renshape materials.