Closed Molding—Up Close and Personal

Exhibitor Profile: Composites One

Converting from open- to closed-mold processes isn’t an all-or-nothing proposition. Manufacturers use both processes in their plants effectively. The key is to identify products and markets where using closed mold processes makes sense economically.

Composites One has been helping manufacturers incorporate closed molding in their plants for nearly a decade. At Composites 2010, the company will continue that effort with all-day demonstrations and experts on hand to answer questions.

“Anyone that currently uses open molding to make parts could see a closed mold demonstration and how there could be some application in their shop,” says Marcy Offner, marketing manager. “We’ve never said you have to be a closed mold or open mold manufacturer. There are opportunities in any shop to do both. We might help a customer identify a part, set up a practice work cell and get a basic feel for it. Some customers will continue to make that part with closed mold and continue to make everything else the same.”

The demonstrations will include examples of three different processes: Light Resin Transfer Molding (LRTM), Closed Cavity Bag Molding (CCBM) and Vacuum Infusion.

“We’ll be using the first two processes to make mini catamarans. We’ll be making multiple parts throughout the day,” says Offner.  “We’ll also be making two 10-foot windblades a day using vacuum infusion. We’re trying to show that closed mold can be used for larger parts.”

Offner points out that the cost to get started in closed molding is not as steep as some manufacturers think, especially given the long-term benefits. “I think there’s a misunderstanding that it costs a lot of money,” she says. “There is an investment initially because you most likely have to build new molds and train your staff, but we have some economic data that shows how it can provide cost savings down the line.”

Composites One will be exhibiting at Booth #817. The Closed Mold demonstrations will take place at Booth #917

This entry was posted on Monday, December 7th, 2009 at 1:13 pm and is filed under Exhibitor Profiles, Manufacturing and Processes. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.