Demoulding

A wax, semi-permanent polymer or film applied to tool surfaces so that cured parts release cleanly without damage to the part or the mould. Correct application routines are essential, and transfer of release agent onto surfaces intended for bonding or painting is a common cause of adhesion failures.

The moulds, mandrels, jigs and fixtures on and in which parts are laminated, formed and cured. Tooling material selection, from GRP and epoxy tooling board through to nickel alloy and steel, is driven by cure temperature, thermal expansion match, accuracy requirements and production volume.

A full-size master shape, machined or hand built to the finished part geometry, from which production moulds are laminated. Plug surface quality is critical because every defect transfers first to the mould and then to each part made from it.

The removal of excess cured material, flash and rough edges from a moulded part to its final profile using hand tools, CNC routing or abrasive waterjet cutting. Composite trimming requires effective dust extraction and suitable cutters because glass and carbon laminates are highly abrasive.