mold finally
12-13-2012, 01:28 PM
#1
Drifting
Thread Starter
mold finally
I finally got the machined mold back from the machinist .... Here is a pic..
This for an air box for the simard orb set up
I have tried my hand at vacuum molding cf but failed the first time. Anyone have any educational sites they ca recommend so I can finish this little project . I do want to thank mr simard for lending me his mock up of the air box .
This for an air box for the simard orb set up
I have tried my hand at vacuum molding cf but failed the first time. Anyone have any educational sites they ca recommend so I can finish this little project . I do want to thank mr simard for lending me his mock up of the air box .
12-13-2012, 01:47 PM
#3
Wow. Is that an entire one piece block of aluminum?
There are several videos online of the proper lay up of CF and the required vac-bagging and then oven curing. It looks really cool when done if you gloss paint it.
There are several videos online of the proper lay up of CF and the required vac-bagging and then oven curing. It looks really cool when done if you gloss paint it.
12-13-2012, 01:53 PM
#4
Drifting
Very tricky stuff, time is of the essence once you mix the 2 part epoxy and the "bagging" it has to be done right and I think a release agent for the mold. I did some CF work about 7 years ago and was able to succeed at it for my purpose. I wish I could remember the websites that I read and learned from to help you.
Some key things I do remember, protect skin from epoxy, protect lungs from carbon fibers, air bubbles are the enemy. Your project does not look too difficult, setting up the lines and the plastic should not be that bad. I used clay to improve air tightness on the lines. GL.
Some key things I do remember, protect skin from epoxy, protect lungs from carbon fibers, air bubbles are the enemy. Your project does not look too difficult, setting up the lines and the plastic should not be that bad. I used clay to improve air tightness on the lines. GL.
12-13-2012, 01:55 PM
#5
Drifting
Thread Starter
yeah, I tried making a mold with the material bought form carbonmods.com from uk but was really unstable (too bendable) to make repeated reproducible air boxes. so I found a cnc place but this project was too small for them to do right away so I had to wait until they had time....whew , glad the wait is over...
now on to the molding
AO-----any recom sites....do you do cf molding....I dont have a oven for prepreg stuff
now on to the molding
AO-----any recom sites....do you do cf molding....I dont have a oven for prepreg stuff
12-13-2012, 01:59 PM
#6
Rennlist Member
I help my fabricator do hoods, T-Top replacements for race cars//etc//etc do CF layups for vacuum...
Its tedious. You dont NEED an oven, but its about 6 layers of material including barriers, diapers, CF, and a core if you need it.
Getting the reaction time right for your temperature and the size of the draw you have to do thru the material is important as well, for that thing you have, I might do two injection and vacuum points.
And..getting a good seal on the layup, is fun too...and a GOOD vacuum pump.
And wax, wax again, and again....cant over prep the mold for release.
Its tedious. You dont NEED an oven, but its about 6 layers of material including barriers, diapers, CF, and a core if you need it.
Getting the reaction time right for your temperature and the size of the draw you have to do thru the material is important as well, for that thing you have, I might do two injection and vacuum points.
And..getting a good seal on the layup, is fun too...and a GOOD vacuum pump.
And wax, wax again, and again....cant over prep the mold for release.
12-13-2012, 02:04 PM
#7
Drifting
Thread Starter
thanks, I just need to get some good education on the matter and will attempt again,,,about 35 degrees outside and my heat source in the garage is good so shoud be abel to do this next time better....
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12-13-2012, 02:38 PM
#9
Burning Brakes
Use vinylester its cheaper and has almost the same properties as epoxy. Its a little easier to work with the epoxy doesn't break down the binders in the CF as fast and makes it a bear to work with. I have done lots of stuff like this in the boat industry drop me a PM i'll give you my number and you can pick my brain.
12-13-2012, 06:45 PM
#10
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Very tricky stuff, time is of the essence once you mix the 2 part epoxy and the "bagging" it has to be done right and I think a release agent for the mold. I did some CF work about 7 years ago and was able to succeed at it for my purpose. I wish I could remember the websites that I read and learned from to help you.
Some key things I do remember, protect skin from epoxy, protect lungs from carbon fibers, air bubbles are the enemy. Your project does not look too difficult, setting up the lines and the plastic should not be that bad. I used clay to improve air tightness on the lines. GL.
Some key things I do remember, protect skin from epoxy, protect lungs from carbon fibers, air bubbles are the enemy. Your project does not look too difficult, setting up the lines and the plastic should not be that bad. I used clay to improve air tightness on the lines. GL.
Paul Hunt keeps saying the Corvettes are the enemy.
12-13-2012, 08:40 PM
#11
Drifting
When mixing the 2 ingredients to make the epoxy you stir them together, stirring creates air bubbles, the epoxy is very thick and there is very little time to waste before it sets. So I found it tricky but certainly not impossible to make it all work.
1 little air bubble in the finished product would be a problem.
I was working on a large 3D part not a relatively small piece in a mold where 1 side will never be seen. Very tricky for 1 person working in a non-manf. scenario. But like I said it came out great, so I am talking from my experience. The finished product was exactly as I had hoped/drew it would be with an amazingly deep glossy finish.
1 little air bubble in the finished product would be a problem.
I was working on a large 3D part not a relatively small piece in a mold where 1 side will never be seen. Very tricky for 1 person working in a non-manf. scenario. But like I said it came out great, so I am talking from my experience. The finished product was exactly as I had hoped/drew it would be with an amazingly deep glossy finish.
12-14-2012, 02:27 PM
#12
Burning Brakes
Wet out your CF on a piece of bag plastic first with some FG to back it up then transfer everything with the plastic into the mould, the fg and plastic will keep the weave from distorting to bad.
12-14-2012, 03:28 PM
#13
Chronic Tool Dropper
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What's the planned method of holding the lid on? I don't see bosses for threaded inserts or clamps/bales in your mold. Also don't see relief for the inlet snorkel, or the snorkel itself. Will that be added as another piece separately?
I've watched CF parts being made, specifically spiral-wrapped masts for sailboats, so no knowledge of the molding process you are trying.
I've watched CF parts being made, specifically spiral-wrapped masts for sailboats, so no knowledge of the molding process you are trying.
12-15-2012, 12:17 AM
#14
Supercharged
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[QUOTE=andy-gts;10069575AO-----any recom sites....do you do cf molding....I dont have a oven for prepreg stuff[/QUOTE]
Sorry. No clue. I just buy the stuff. No experience making it.
But it looks very fun!
Sorry. No clue. I just buy the stuff. No experience making it.
But it looks very fun!
