This article is about choosing and using machinable tooling boards for making composites tooling. Machinable tooling boards are designed specifically to be CNC machined or manually carved to make plugs or direct molds. Ideally they machine smoothly, finish easily and remain stable through whatever molding operations are required. They’re pretty amazing to work with because they are engineered to do just what you’re asking for – provided you choose the right one! And there are numerous products to choose from – each addressing a specific range of process and market demands. This article is about choosing the right one and how to build your tooling to make good parts.
Uses
You’ll find these products called everything from “modeling board”, “tooling board”, “styling foam”, and a bunch of other similar types of names. This stuff is used in many industries – for example:
- Foundry patterns
- Styling and prototype models
- Thermoforming molds
- Weather-resistant signs
- Composites tooling!
Examples
Here are some examples from my stash of reference materials. I find it helpful to keep similar material around and to write notes on the samples – stuff like density, price, temperature range, and where to buy it. Having that information handy makes it easy to compare options!
