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Composite Tooling Composites Universal Group offers an extensive range of services to meet the composite tooling needs of our clients. Selecting the type of tooling that will be used on a program can sometimes be intimidating for our customers. There are many different materials, styles, and prices associated with tooling. At Composites Universal Group we help our customers from the start to make sure their programs are completed using the best product at the best price. We will look at each individual part that will be needed and suggest the best tooling based on the complexity and function. By looking at all the pieces we can suggest less expensive tooling in areas that have more tolerance and keep the higher tolerance tooling to only critical parts. By using this method we can save our customers unnecessary tooling cost. During this process we will also look to see if the masters for the tooling should be 5 axis CNC'd or created using a hand fabrication method. Again, it is probable that a combination of the two methods would be suggested for cost savings. Composites Universal Group has on staff CAD operators that are versed in the 2D drawing and 3D modeling software that is used by most of our customers and engineering partners. Our software is also equipped with translators that will allow our CAD operators to convert customer CAD files of different software into workable files on our software. This allows Composites Universal Group to view drawings and solid models of a project to better determine tooling needs. By having on staff CAD operators, Composites Universal Group is able to update drawings and solid models to include changes or modifications made for ease of tooling and send these back to the original customer or engineering firm for verification. This allows a much faster turnaround time for changes or modifications which keeps the program moving forward at a fast pace saving our customers time and money.
Composites Universal Group has long been recognized as a premier composite plug and pattern fabricator. From hand-carved / hot wired plugs to 5 axis CNC'd plugs and patterns. Our pattern makers have the experience and ambition to complete client jobs quickly and accurately. Hand-carved / hot wired plugs are a viable option for our customers to select. It offers the customer the ability to make changes and modifications to the plug during the fabrication process and requires no computer modeling backup. Composites Universal Group also offers 5 axis CNC'd plugs and patterns. These plugs or patterns consist of a strong steel/wood base, foam and a high density putty that is machined to specific tolerances. These plugs and patterns are extremely accurate and can be supplied with a fast turn-around at an economical cost. This type of plug and pattern is designed for room temperature use. Higher density materials such as MDF, high density modeling board, or block foam can also be used. This type of plug and pattern offers higher tolerances and the ability to take temperatures up to 300°F. All patterns and plugs are offered with vacuum integrity verification.
Composites Universal Group is proud of our "one stop shopping" reputation and to keep up with the fast pace tooling world we now offer 5 axis Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining capabilities. The 5 axis CNC machining allows Composites Universal Group to take customer supplied or self created solid model files and create direct master tooling that are quickly produced, accurate, easily mirrored, and in most cases just as cost effective if not cheaper that the traditional hand fabricated method. Composites Universal Group can translate most customer supplied files into a language that can be read by the machine which allows different customers to use different software and saves the cost of upgrades. With 5 axis CNC, Composites Universal Group can create quick one off molds for prototyping or R&D programs. The "tooling stock" or materials that can be cut range from low density foams to high density high heat tooling boards offering a large variety of tooling options. The 5 axis CNC machining has become so popular that Composites Universal Group is looking to add a new machine to our company that will be one of the largest on the west coast. This new machine will allow our customers to think even bigger.
Composites Universal Group offers many different types of molds to meet the needs of our many different customers. Vinylester Molds:
Vinylester tooling is the lowest cost option for molds available from Composites Universal Group. They are fabricated from a high temp vinylester tooling resin capable of reaching 285°F multiple times over and are a combination of fiberglass, cloth, matt, and roving. They are approximately 1/4" thick and have either a composite honeycomb or a steel frame backup structure applied to them. In cases of larger molds a balsa or foam core is added to help strengthen the tool for shape retention. Composites Universal Group has used this type of tooling for as many as 185 oven cycles at 275 degrees Fahrenheit
Epoxy Wet Lay-Up Molds: For projects needing more controlled tolerances or higher production rate requirements, Composites Universal Group offers a high quality epoxy based wet lay-up tooling system. These molds are produced using an epoxy tooling face coat to create a smooth, tough part surface capable of high temperatures above 300 degrees Fahrenheit The main structure of the mold is fabricated using an e-glass or carbon fiber cloth utilizing a hand applied epoxy tooling resin. These molds also incorporate the use of a vacuum bagging process multiple times to ensure a void free tool. For larger tools use of a foam or balsa core is used to help strengthen the tool. A honeycomb or steel frame backup structure is applied for shape retention of the tool during the multiple oven cycles at 275°F or greater.
Resin Infused Molds: Composites Universal Group offers a very high quality epoxy resin infused tooling system. These molds are produced using an epoxy tooling face coat which creates a tough, durable part surface capable of high temperatures and 200+ oven cycles at 300°F. The tool is fabricated using an e-glass or carbon fiber cloth which is applied dry to the surface coat. A vacuum bag is then applied and an epoxy resin is then injected through the cloth. This wets out all fibers and creates a void free tool. Larger tools also incorporate the use of cores added for additional strength of the tool. Again, a honeycomb or steel frame backup structure is applied for shape retention of the tool at high temperatures. This type of tooling produces a much needed durability for high production environments.
Prepreg Molds: Composites Universal Group also offers a very high quality pre-preg molding system. These molds are produced using an epoxy face coat or a resin rich 1st ply pre-preg to create a smooth, tough part surface capable of high temperatures and multiple oven cycles. The main structure of the tool is fabricated using an e-glass or carbon fiber tooling pre-preg which is applied at room temperature. Once desired thickness is obtained the tools is then vacuum bagged and goes through the proper post curing process. After post curing a honeycomb backup structure is applied. A steel cart is added to the larger tools which need to be rolled around due to size and weight. Pre-preg molds are very high tolerance and produce very high tolerance parts. These molds are generally good to 350°F for a minimum of 250 - 300 cycles. "When Time & Quality Matter" |
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503-543-7031 phone |
Composites Universal Group
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53770 Airport Road |
