Requirements for Designing Moulds for Composite Components

Abstract

The aim with this thesis was to investigate moulds for composite production. A set of requirements needs to be established for such moulds. The requirements will then be used to find the right material and production method concerning the desired result. Different production methods and materials that can be used for moulds are presented.Two different master moulds were made using two different types of materials, ytong and aluminium. On each of these master moulds, has two types of carbon fibre prepreg been used to make moulds. After cure has the dimensional accuracy of these moulds been measured and compared with the CAD models. The accuracy has been one of KONGSBERG's main requirements. One of the two shapes of moulds was used to make parts in. These two parts have been measured after cure.Abaqus has been used to carry out an FE-analysis with simulations of spring due to cooling after cure.The measurements and the analysis shows the spring-in, but with some difference in the results.The two types of mould materials indicates good results for the shape and size they were tested on. They fulfill many of their requirements.