Molds and tooling

Stronger process control for large-format molds and tooling.

Large-format tooling work is often limited by the process evidence and geometry stability needed for repeated production use.

NLR composites research and development environment for large-format tooling work

Production problems

Large tool paths, high material volume, layer adhesion, geometry stability, and qualification evidence.

Molds, plugs, fixtures, and production aids can require long builds with changing layer times and thermal histories. Weak bonding, retained heat, and dimensional drift can all affect the usability and robustness of the final tool.

LEAM fit

Localized interface heating, sensing, process data, and cooling to support longer layer times without reducing material strength.

Heating

Target the bond line

Localized interface heating can help when layer time makes the previous bead too cold to bond reliably.

Sensing

Observe the process

Thermal sensing and process data help document the conditions behind tooling repeatability.

Cooling

Reduce heat accumulation

When high material volume or short paths make the part too hot, cooling can become part of the process-control approach.

Next step

Evaluate a tooling application.

Share the tool type, material, target size, wall or bead dimensions, current print speed, throughput, and the bottleneck you need to resolve.